On May 1, the Seton Hill University class of 2026 upheld the long-standing tradition of the Tree Planting Ceremony. This year’s tree was dedicated to Sister Maureen O’Brien. Beloved by all who know her, Sr. Mo has been a part of the Seton Hill community since she was young. From the age of seven, Sr. Mo’s love for The Hill hasn’t stopped growing. She is an alumna, a Sister of Charity, and now serves as the university’s Vice President for Mission and Identity. The adolescent London platanus’ dedication took place on the lawn of the Administration building.

About the Tree Planting Ceremony

The Tree Blessing Ceremony tradition dates back to 1920. The first one took place during Commencement Week that year and has continued to take place each spring. The first ceremony was officiated by Melissa Dunn of the 1921 graduating class. After consulting arborists, it was decided that commencement week was too late in the spring to plant a young tree if they wanted it to thrive. As a result, the Tree Blessing Ceremony was combined with another celebration at the time, Charter Day. The class of 1922 was the first to practice the tradition as a combination of the two events.