Tree dedication ceremony to honor Lenny Mercier

Members of the Salve Regina community are invited to a tree dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9 in memory of Lenny Mercier, Salve Regina’s former superintendent of grounds. The dedication ceremony will be held on the Ochre Court lawn, on the side closest to Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, with a reception to follow inside.

“I am very pleased that we are able to memorialize Lenny Mercier’s dedication to the care and beautification of our campus grounds,” said Sister Therese Antone, chancellor. “It is very fitting that we recognize Lenny’s contribution by dedicating three newly planted copper beach trees in his honor. As members of the community walk on the path along the south lawn of Ochre Court, I trust that the dedication stone and the trees will be a reminder of the significance of Lenny’s commitment to the mission of Salve Regina University.”

Mercier, who died in December 2012, had served at Salve Regina since 1992. With nearly 80 acres to maintain, Mercier and his crew had a long list of responsibilities, including trash removal, landscaping, caring for Salve Regina’s rare and aging trees and preparing for every occasion, from Commencement and Reunion Weekend to athletic events.

Mercier’s love for the campus was second only to his love for his family, and Salve Regina was his second family. When he received the Sister Philemon Banigan Award for his contributions to the University’s athletic programs in May 2011, he thanked his staff and extended his love to his “thousand other kids” – the students on campus.

“Carry on, guys, because you’re all fantastic,” he said in accepting the award. “I’m proud to be part of this University. I’ve been here for 20 years, and I’ve cherished every moment. I love you and God bless you all.”