A Living Tribute to a Campus Family
Near the Campus Christian Center stands a Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) dedicated to the memory of Steven T. Fugate. A stone marker at the base of the tree records the dedication made on May 4, 1994, by Campus Christian Center staff and Baptist Student Union students.
The memorial tree occupies a place closely connected to the life and work of Steven’s family. Its location beside the Campus Christian Center reflects the longstanding relationship between the Fugate family and Marshall University’s Baptist Student Union and Campus Christian Center communities.
Remembering Steven T. Fugate
Steven Todd Fugate was born on January 24, 1964, and died on April 24, 1994, at the age of 30.
The memorial tree was dedicated only days after his death, creating a permanent place of remembrance on campus. The dedication marker identifies the tree simply as a memorial to Steven T. Fugate, preserving his memory within a landscape that has served generations of Marshall University students.
A Connection to the Campus Christian Center
The tree’s location is especially meaningful because of the Fugate family’s long association with the Campus Christian Center.
Steven’s father, Zachariah Clinton “Jim” Fugate, served for more than twenty years as the Baptist Student Union campus minister at Marshall University and later as State Director for Campus Ministries for the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists. According to his obituary, Jim Fugate was a regular presence at the Campus Christian Center and played a significant role in the lives of countless students through counseling, mentorship, fellowship, and ministry.
The memorial tree acknowledges the deep ties between the Fugate family and the campus community that gathered around the Campus Christian Center for decades.
A Japanese Maple
The memorial tree is a Japanese Maple, a small ornamental tree prized for its elegant branching structure, finely textured foliage, and brilliant seasonal color. Native to eastern Asia, Japanese Maples are widely planted in arboretums, gardens, and campuses throughout the world.
Learn more about Japanese MapleThroughout the growing season, the tree provides shade and visual interest near the Campus Christian Center. Its changing foliage serves as a reminder that memorial trees are both living landmarks and part of the evolving campus landscape.
The Memorial Tree Today
Today, the Steven T. Fugate Memorial Tree remains a quiet place of reflection along the east side of the Campus Christian Center. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors pass along its branches throughout the year, often unaware of the story behind the tree.
Like many memorial trees in the Marshall University Arboretum, it demonstrates how trees can commemorate individuals while continuing to grow, contribute to the campus landscape, and connect future generations to the people whose stories helped shape the university community.
Campus Location
Visitors can find the Steven T. Fugate Memorial Tree along the east side of the Campus Christian Center. The map below highlights its location. Click on the map to open a larger version for a closer look.
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Quick Facts
Name: Steven T. Fugate Memorial Tree
Species: Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Location: Southeast corner of the Campus Christian Center
Dedicated: May 4, 1994
Honoree: Steven Todd Fugate (1964β1994)
Dedicated By: Campus Christian Center staff and Baptist Student Union students
Memorial Type: Tree and stone marker
Category: Memorial Trees