Memorial Benches
Marshall University Arboretum

Memorial Benches

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Marshall University Arboretum
Memorial Benches

Places to Rest, Reflect, and Remember

Throughout the Marshall University Arboretum, benches provide welcoming places to sit, study, enjoy the campus landscape, or simply pause beneath the shade of a favorite tree. These spaces encourage visitors to slow down and experience the beauty of the university’s living arboretum from a new perspective.

Among the many benches found across campus are a number of memorial benches dedicated to individuals whose lives, service, and contributions continue to shape the Marshall community. These benches provide places for remembrance while also serving a practical purpose for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

Living Connections to Campus History

Memorial benches offer a unique way to honor people while contributing to the campus environment. Through plaques, inscriptions, and carefully chosen locations, each bench helps preserve a story and connect it to a place that can be enjoyed by future generations.

Some memorial benches commemorate alumni, faculty members, staff, students, or friends of the university. Others recognize service, achievement, or lasting contributions to the Marshall community.

Places to Enjoy

The memorial benches featured on this page are only a small part of the seating available throughout the Marshall University Arboretum. Many additional benches can be found across campus, providing spaces for studying, conversation, contemplation, and appreciation of the surrounding landscape.

Whether located beneath mature shade trees, near historic landmarks, or along well-traveled walkways, these benches help create welcoming outdoor spaces that support learning, connection, and reflection.

Memorial Bench Locations

Visitors can find memorial benches in several locations around the Memorial Student Center Plaza, Drinko Library, and Old Main. The map below highlights the memorial benches documented on this page. Photos and descriptions of each bench and its dedication are provided below.

Campus map highlighting memorial bench locations near the Memorial Student Center Plaza, Drinko Library, and Old Main.

Paul W. Ambrose Bench

Memorial bench beside a campus walkway with a commemorative plaque honoring MUSOM graduate Paul W. Ambrose and those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Located centrally on campus near Memorial Student Center plaza

Plaque reads “In memory of MUSOM graduate Paul W. Ambrose and the 2,976 others who lost their lives on September 11, 2001”

John C. Browning Bench

Memorial bench outside the John Deaver Drinko Library honoring Joan C. Browning, a West Virginia Freedom Rider, with a commemorative plaque positioned behind the bench.

Located near the northwest corner of Drinko Library

Plaque reads “John C. Browning, West Virginia Freedom Rider” with two paw prints below

Hal Shaver Bench

Memorial bench outside Old Main with a plaque honoring Hal Shaver, positioned beside the historic building's brick facade and entrance steps.

Located along the north side of Old Main

Plaque reads “In loving memory of Hal Shaver”

 Terry Lovely Snowder Bench

Memorial bench south of Morrow Library honoring Terry Lovely Snowder, positioned along a campus walkway beneath mature shade trees near hammocks and outdoor seating areas.

Located along walkway leading south from Morrow Library

Plaque reads “In loving memory Terry Lovey Snowder, forever in our hearts, beloved sister and devoted MU alumna”

Ted Wilson Bench

Memorial bench near the Memorial Student Center Plaza honoring Ted Wilson, situated beside a campus walkway and adjacent to a hammock area beneath mature shade trees.

Located near northeast corner of Memorial Student Center plaza

Plaque reads “In loving memory Ted Wilson, forever & always in our hearts — The Marcelo Lajterman & The 1970 Football Team Memorial Scholarship Fund”

Ella Marie Brumfield Zirkle Bench

Memorial bench west of the John Deaver Drinko Library honoring Ella Marie Brumfield Zirkle, positioned beneath a mature shade tree overlooking a campus lawn and walkway.

Located west of Drinko Library

Plaque reads “In loving memory of Ella Marie Brumfield Zirkle (1973–2002), loyal employee of Marshall University Libraries 1994–2002. Donated by Library staff and friends.”

Quick Facts

Feature Type: Memorial benches
Purpose: Seating, reflection, and commemoration
Found Throughout: Marshall University campus and arboretum
Associated With: Individuals, families, organizations, and university history