Paula Cowgill Gmelch Memorial Garden

Garden Dedication September 14, 2007 3-5 p.m. Lagomarcino Courtyard Remarks at 3:20 p.m.

 

The Paula Cowgill Gmelch Memorial Garden will be established in the courtyard of Lagomarcino Hall as a tribute to a woman who served Iowa State with kindness, passion, and poise.

The wife of Walt Gmelch, who served as dean of the College of Education from 1998 until 2004, Paula was a friend to countless students, alumni and colleagues. She also served as a professional coordinator for both the Family and Consumer Sciences Education Leadership Academy and the yearlong "Strengthening Families" campaign that celebrated the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. She helped develop community in both colleges, which joined together to become the College of Human Sciences in 2005.

Paula's life was cut short tragically in a car-pedestrian accident. The College of Human Sciences family remembers fondly her unassuming and caring nature and perennial willingness to lend a helping hand to others.

A favorite retreat of many Iowa Staters, the Lagomarcino courtyard envelops the "Enlightenment" mural, made possible in part by Paula's advocacy. She also championed the establishment of the Courtyard Cafe, a popular gathering spot there.

Protection from the archways makes it possible to grow unusal plant specimens like a Japanese Stewartia, which could not grow elsewhere on campus. The tree will bloom in July with camellia-like petals, herald fall with brilliant red, gold and plum leaves, and age with graceful, exfoliating bark to reveal a palette of pinks, creams, and grays.

Like Paula herself, the memorial garden will embrace guests warmly and gently. As they enter, visitors will be greeted by spectacular, fragrant flowers that bloom on a yellowwood tree, a Merrill magnolia, and Green Mound boxwoods.

 

To contribute to the Paula Cowgill Gmelch Memorial Garden fund, visit www.foundation.iastate.edu/ gmelch. Questions? Contact Nikki Laug, nlaug@iastate.edu, 515 294-5954.

 

Birds will feast on bunchberries and bayberries and nest amid the airy foliage of fernleaf buckthorn.

 

Story in Inside Iowa State.