At a glance
A mid-summer rain couldn't dampen the spirits of those
who gathered at Alfred State College recently to dedicate the Professor Eddy
Foster Memorial Bench and Garden.
A mid-summer rain couldn't dampen
the spirits of those who gathered at Alfred State College recently to dedicate
the Professor Eddy Foster Memorial Bench and Garden. Donated by Donald
Holzer, Murfreesboro, TN, ASC class of 1956 (plant and soil science), the bench
and garden honor his mentor and friend, the professor who "provided me with
extra help so I'd graduate..." reminisced the former "C" student at the
ceremony. Holzer went on to note that he found help whenever he needed it
while he was a student at Alfred State. He recalled, "John Ninos helped
me out while I was a student by hiring me and paying me an incredibly generous
salary. In fact," Holzer added, although he didn't realize it at the
time, it was Ninos' "spirit of philanthropy and humanity that inspired me
to do what I do!" And what Holzer does includes not only the memorial
bench and garden, but also two ASC scholarships: an endowed scholarship
which provides financial support for students enrolled in programs in the
Agriculture and Horticulture Department; and an annual scholarship which is
used for supplies and equipment for Ag/Hort classrooms, particularly those
programs including coursework in agronomy, cropping, plant, or soil
science. Funds are also used to help defray costs associated with field
trips for students in the Ag/Hort Department. It was also noted that
while Holzer worked for the Soil Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest
Service, he authored or co-authored several books and donated copies to the ASC
Soils Lab library. Holzer has also purchased
several bricks in the Alumni Plaza on campus, memorializing individuals who
held special significance for him. Alfred State College President Dr.
John M. Anderson spoke for the college community, saying, "I want to thank and
recognize Donald Holzer for his generous contributions. Don has been a terrific friend to the College for many
years, and continues to visit Alfred State for special events a couple times
each year, all the way from Murfreesboro, TN. Thank you, Don, for
all you have done and continue to do for Alfred State!"