EIU Media Relations

University Newsletter

Please consider donating to the Larry Shobe Memorial Garden!

Please join the Civil Service Council; in cooperation with the EIU Grounds Department, the Central Illinois Master Gardeners, and the EIU Staff Senate, in our efforts to create the Larry Shobe Memorial Garden.  The garden will be located between Old Main and Blair Hall and will provide a welcoming space for visitors and the campus community to gather.  Larry Shobe, EIU Alum and 27-year EIU Groundskeeper passed away in July of 2023.  In addition to his work in the Grounds department. Larry was a botany expert and served as a master gardener on the Illinois Public Media produced program Mid-American Gardener that airs on WEIU TV. He loved EIU and enjoyed providing tours of the beautiful gardens he created and cared for on campus.

At this time, we are seeking donations to reach the expected cost of around $7000.  Any amount you can give is appreciated.  If you wish to donate plants or volunteer time to help maintain the space, just e-mail one of the commttee memebers listed below.  

To Donate:

1. Mail checks made payable to “EIU Foundation” to EIU Foundation, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920.  Please make a notation in the check's memo line or attach a note stating it is for the “Larry Shobe Memorial.” Checks can also be brought to the Business Office, Attention Trisha Fritts.  
2. Online gifts can be submitted at https://www.eiu.edu/giving.php.  Select an amount, then click on the box “Please select the Designation for your gift.” In the drop-down menu, select “Other Gifts” and then type a short note in the Special Instructions box “Larry Shobe Memorial,” then complete the remaining payment options and submit.
3. Employees can also drop off donations or authorize a monthly payroll deduction.  To do so, contact Tisha Fritts (trfritts@eiu.edu) in the Business Office.
4. For more information about the project, visit our website at https://www.eiu.edu/council/shobegarden.php.

If you have questions, contact:

• EIU Foundation - 217-581-3313
• Shobe Memorial Garden Committee Members
  • Michelle Morgan (mlmorgan@eiu.edu)
  • Ke’an Armstrong (ksarmstrong@eiu.edu)
  • Arlene Brown (aebrown@eiu.edu)
  • Tony Craven (jacraven@eiu.edu)
  • Jonathan McKenzie (jrmckenzie@eiu.edu)