Larry Shobe Memorial Garden
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Please join the Civil Service Council, in partnership with the EIU Grounds Department, Central Illinois Master Gardeners, and the EIU Staff Senate, as we create the Larry Shobe Memorial Garden. Located between Old Main and Blair Hall, this new garden will offer a welcoming, peaceful space for students, visitors, and the campus community to gather and enjoy. The garden honors the life and legacy of Larry Shobe, an EIU alumnus and dedicated groundskeeper who served the university for 27 years before his passing in July 2023. Larry was known for his deep knowledge of botany, his work as a master gardener on Illinois Public Media’s Mid-American Gardener on WEIU-TV, and his genuine love for EIU. He took pride in caring for campus landscapes and sharing their beauty with others through tours and conversations. We are currently seeking donations to help us reach our $7,000 fundraising goal. Gifts of any size are appreciated and will help us create a lasting tribute to someone who gave so much to Eastern. |
To Donate:
- Mail checks made payable to “EIU Foundation” to EIU Foundation, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920. Please make a notation in the check's memo line or attach a note stating it is for the “Larry Shobe Memorial.” Checks can also be brought to the Business Office, Attention Trisha Fritts.
- Online gifts can be submitted here. Select your donation amount, then choose “Please select the Designation for your gift.” From the drop down menu, select “Other Gifts” and type “Larry Shobe Memorial” in the Special Instructions box. Complete the remaining payment information and submit your gift.
- Employees can also drop off donations or authorize a monthly payroll deduction. To do so, contact Tisha Fritts in the Business Office.
We also welcome plant donations and volunteers who would like to help care for the garden in the months ahead. If you’re interested in contributing plants or your time, please complete the Larry Shobe Memorial Garden Volunteer and Plant Donation form at the link below.
To ensure the health and long term success of the space, the EIU Grounds Department reserves the right to review and decline plant donations if needed. Questions can be directed to Tony Craven at jacraven@eiu.edu.
Questions? Contact the EIU Foundation online or at 217-581-3313.
