Salisbury, MD – With more than 3,000 recorded trees and an ever-growing collection of shrubs, vines and perennials, Salisbury University’s 200-plus-acre campus is comprised of some of the most horticulturally diverse grounds on the Eastern Shore.
Beginning this week, that vast collection of plants continues to grow under a new name: the Glenda Chatham Clarke Arboretum.
Clarke, who earned her B.A. in English from SU in 1972, was on hand for the dedication ceremony, along with her husband, Bob Clarke, SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre, and guests including representatives from the Worcester County Garden Club, of which Glenda served as president for two years.
“Just as the plants in our arboretum flourish and grow, Glenda and Bob Clarke have helped our university thrive,” said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “It is a privilege to dedicate the arboretum in honor of an alumna who has enriched so many lives — as an educator, a mentor and a steadfast supporter of Salisbury University.”
“The Clarkes continue to impact our students in many ways,” said Jason Curtin, SU vice president of advancement and director of the SU Foundation, Inc. “Beginning today, every tree, flower and plant on campus will stand as a testimony to their dedication to their Alma Mater.”
“As first-generation college graduates, Bob and I are very grateful for the transformative part education has played in our lives. This naming seems particularly appropriate because of my love of everything garden related, and we are truly honored to have our names associated with SU’s vitally important landscape.
“The miracle of how plants germinate from seed is reflected in how students’ minds grow and flourish while at SU. These grounds enhance the overall educational environment and promote an ambiance conducive to learning. Sea Gulls and visitors alike will be nurtured by nature when passing through this arboretum and gardens. What a treasure this place is for all who enter.”
Bob and Glenda Chatham Clarke met while in line to register as students at SU in 1968. While she completed her degree, he joined the U.S. Air Force. They married in 1972. During his air force career, Glenda taught at schools in communities where he was stationed domestically.
While in the Air Force, Bob completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Clarkes finally graduated together in 1983 from Lehigh University, with Glenda receiving her masters and Bob his doctorate. He became a college president at only 33 years old and completed his over-30-year career in higher education as the Vermont State Colleges chancellor. They moved to Snow Hill, MD, in 2012 to be closer to family on the Eastern Shore, where they continue to be avid gardeners.
In 2018, they paid tribute to the many memories they shared at SU by donating $300,000 to endow the Nina Dixon and Grover F. Chatham Scholarship to support first-generation students from Glenda’s alma mater, James M. Bennett High School. In 2020, they announced a $1.5 million planned endowment to benefit the SU Honors College, which has borne their name for nearly five years.
The history of the Glenda Chatham Clarke Arboretum dates to 1985, when SU began its curated collection of plants. In 1988, the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta granted the University arboretum status.
During the past decade, the arboretum has received national honors, including being named among BestCollegeReviews.com’s “50 Most Beautiful College Arboretums” and BestCollegesOnline.org’s “50 Most Amazing University Botanical Gardens and Arboretums in the U.S.”
In 2018, it was accredited as Maryland’s first Level III arboretum — one of only 26 in the world and 15 in the U.S. at that time — by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and Morton Register of Arboreta, representing the second-highest level of accreditation possible.
Since 2011, the arboretum has played a part in SU’s recognition among The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges; the University currently ranks as the 29th most sustainable campus in the U.S.
The Glenda Chatham Clarke Arboretum is also home to a portion of the SU Sculpture Collection, representing artworks from the 1800s through the 21st century.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.
SU alumna Glenda Chatham Clarke cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Glenda Chatham Clarke Arboretum. Pictured, from left: Bob Clarke, Glenda Chatham Clarke, SU horticulturist Will Lowery, SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre, and SU horticulture and grounds director Frank Bowen.
