Andrea L. Roy Memorial Tree
Marshall University Arboretum

Andrea L. Roy Memorial Tree

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Marshall University Arboretum
Andrea L. Roy Memorial Tree

A Living Tribute to Service and Compassion

Near Prichard Hall and East Hall stands the Andrea L.Roy Memorial Tree, a Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) dedicated to the memory of Andrea Roy. Known for her commitment to community service, social advocacy, and the well-being of children and families, Roy’s work left a lasting impact on both Marshall University and the Huntington community.

Plant identification and memorial marker beneath the Andrea Roy Memorial Tree identifying the species as White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) and honoring Andrea L. Roy as “a strong advocate for the most vulnerable.”

The memorial tree serves as a living tribute to a colleague whose dedication to helping others reflected the values of service, compassion, and community engagement.

Remembering Andrea Roy

Andrea Lynn Roy (1973–2021) grew up in Barboursville, West Virginia. After studying music and spending two decades in New York City, she returned to the Huntington area in 2014 and devoted her professional life to community advocacy and social services.

Before joining Marshall University, Roy served as the first Director of Community Impact for United Way of the River Cities, where she worked to develop collaborative approaches to strengthening the community. Colleagues and friends remembered her for her leadership, intellect, kindness, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Service at Marshall University

In 2019, Roy joined Marshall University’s WV-TIME 4K (West Virginia Trauma Informed Mindfulness Engagement for Kids) program as project coordinator. Funded through the U.S. Department of Justice, the initiative supports children and families affected by the opioid epidemic through trauma-informed services and partnerships with schools and community organizations.

Fringe Tree dedicated in memory of Andrea Roy standing near Prichard Hall, where Roy worked with Marshall University's School of Social Work, with the building visible beyond the tree.

Working through Marshall’s School of Social Work, Roy helped guide the program’s development and expansion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her colleagues adapted services to continue supporting participating children and families despite unprecedented challenges. The program received praise from grant administrators for its creativity and persistence during this period.

A Lasting Legacy

Following Roy’s passing on June 10, 2021, colleagues reflected on the influence she had on students, coworkers, and community partners. Dr. Peggy Harman described Roy as a valued colleague and mentor whose contributions helped strengthen the lives of children and families throughout the region.

Those who knew Roy consistently emphasized her kindness, generosity, and belief in helping others achieve their full potential. Her work combined practical solutions with compassion, allowing her to build meaningful connections throughout the community.

A Fringe Tree in Her Memory

The memorial tree selected in Roy’s honor is a Fringe Tree, a small native flowering tree known for its graceful white blossoms and ecological value. Each spring, the tree produces delicate clusters of fragrant flowers, adding beauty to the landscape near the academic buildings where members of the Marshall community teach, learn, and serve.

Learn more about Fringe Trees

Like the work Roy devoted herself to, the tree contributes quietly but meaningfully to the lives of those around it.

The Memorial Tree Today

Today, the Andrea Roy Memorial Tree continues to grow near Prichard Hall and East Hall, providing a place for reflection and remembrance within the Marshall University Arboretum.

White Fringetree dedicated in memory of Andrea Roy located near East Hall, with the building's brick facade and entrance visible beyond the tree.

As a living memorial, the tree honors a person whose professional and personal life was devoted to helping others and improving the well-being of her community. Through its continued presence on campus, the tree preserves the memory of Andrea Roy and the positive impact she made on countless lives.

Campus Location

Visitors can find the Andrea Roy Memorial Tree between Prichard Hall and East Hall. The map below highlights its location. Click on the map to open a larger version for a closer look.

Campus map highlighting the location of the Andrea Roy Memorial Tree between Prichard Hall and East Hall.

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Quick Facts

Name: Andrea Roy Memorial Tree
Species: Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
Location: Near Prichard Hall and East Hall
Honoree: Andrea Lynn Roy (1973–2021)
Marshall Connection: Project Coordinator, WV-TIME 4K, School of Social Work
Memorial Type: Tree and marker
Category: Memorial Trees