{"id":230,"date":"2026-08-31T16:07:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T20:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=230"},"modified":"2026-10-08T14:31:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T18:31:35","slug":"blanco","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/highlights\/blanco\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Harold Blanco Memorial Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Living Tribute to a Dedicated Educator<\/h2>\n

Outside the Education Building stands the Blanco Memorial Tree, a Red Maple (Acer rubrum<\/em>) planted in memory of Dr. Harold Blanco, a Marshall University professor whose commitment to education, students, and community left a lasting impact on those who knew him.<\/p>\n

The tree was planted on April 7, 2016, by family members, friends, colleagues, and students following Dr. Blanco’s death after a bicycling accident in March 2016. Located near the building where he taught, the tree serves as a permanent reminder of his contributions to Marshall University and the lives he touched through teaching and mentorship.<\/p>\n

\"Blanco<\/p>\n

Honoring Dr. Harold Blanco<\/h2>\n

Dr. Blanco taught at Marshall University and at St. Joseph Catholic Middle School. He died following injuries sustained in a bicycling accident at Barboursville Park during spring break in March 2016.<\/p>\n

He was survived by his wife, an infant son, and a teenage daughter. In the weeks following his passing, the Marshall community came together to honor his memory and support his family.<\/p>\n

The Memorial Tree Planting<\/h2>\n

On April 7, 2016, loved ones gathered outside the Education Building to plant a Red Maple in Dr. Blanco’s memory. Family members participated in the ceremony by helping break ground and place soil around the newly planted tree.<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\tLearn more about Red Maple<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n\t\n

According to coverage in The Parthenon<\/em>, the tree was intended to serve as a place where students, colleagues, friends, and family members could gather and remember Dr. Blanco. Because he did not have a gravesite, the memorial tree provided a meaningful place for reflection and remembrance.<\/p>\n

\"Memorial<\/p>\n

Colleagues also expressed hope that the tree would serve as a reminder of Dr. Blanco’s passion for education and his place within the Marshall University community.<\/p>\n

A Living Memorial<\/h2>\n

Memorial trees occupy a special place within the Marshall University Arboretum. They not only commemorate individuals and events, but also continue to grow and contribute to the campus landscape for generations.<\/p>\n

\"Red<\/p>\n

The Blanco Memorial Tree reflects this tradition. As the Red Maple matures, it serves as an enduring tribute to a respected educator whose legacy continues through the students, colleagues, and family members whose lives he influenced.<\/p>\n

The Blanco Memorial Tree Today<\/h2>\n

Today, the Blanco Memorial Tree remains a quiet place of remembrance outside the Education Building. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors pass by its branches throughout the year, often unaware of the story behind it.<\/p>\n

Yet the tree continues to fulfill its original purpose: providing a lasting connection to Dr. Harold Blanco and preserving his memory within the campus community he served.<\/p>\n

Campus Location<\/h2>\n

Visitors can find the Blanco Memorial Tree along the west end of the Education Building. The map below highlights its location. Click on the map to open a larger version.<\/p>\n

\"Campus<\/a><\/p>\n

Learn More<\/h2>\n