Looking Good
Law Center's landscaping makeover
puts beautiful wrapping around academic package
By Tina Hahn
Jeff McManus (left), director of UM Landscape Services, reviews plans
with Wes Wilmoth,
landscape architect with Barry Landscaping.
What do grass, trees, shrubs, ornamentals, ground covering,
and irrigation have to do with law principles, legal skills, briefs, arguments,
fledgling attorneys, and student recruitment?The connection, many say,
holds great importance. University of Mississippi School of Law alumni
and friends number among those who believe landscaping around a building
dramatically impacts the academic environment and visitors' lasting impressions.
The supporters are investing considerable resources in an extensive landscape
project providing exterior improvements at the Lamar Law Center. UM Chancellor
Robert Khayat, who recognized the building's need for enhancement, brought
the project to the attention of University supporters. More than $62,000
in gifts for the project reflects their conviction. "In addition
to an automated irrigation system and a comprehensive landscape plan,
the entire Lamar Law Center site is receiving some needed TLC," says
Jeff McManus, UM director of landscaping services. "The Law Center
stands in a very visible place on campus; it holds the same magnitude
as the historic buildings. This landscape project is bringing such incredible
beauty to the area."
A sweeping renaissance on the UM campus during the Khayat administration
has left little untouched. Infusion of private support has strengthened
academic programs and libraries, established faculty chairs, created new
scholarships, helped enable the sheltering of a prestigious Phi Beta Kappa
chapter-and yes, transformed the landscape of a campus that has been long
heralded for its beauty. Maintaining such a presence or level of attractiveness
simply requires constant attention. When attorney Sam Millette of Mobile,
Ala., has viewed the Oxford campus during recent visits, he says he has
witnessed a "striking change."
"Seeing the dramatic improvements in buildings and landscaping has
been breathtaking," says Millette, who formerly practiced law with
the Pascagoula, Miss., firm of Scruggs, Millette, Bozeman & Dent,
P.A. "It's really remarkable how much Chancellor Khayat has accomplished
in the area of developing improved academic programs and stunning new
buildings. He has also been responsible for extensive landscaping improvements
all over the campus. When he contacted me regarding this new project,
I thought landscaping the Law Center was a great idea and sorely needed."
Landscaping on the Oxford campus has focused on complementing extensively
renovated buildings-such as the historic Lyceum, Croft Institute, Ventress
Hall, Martindale Student Services Center, and Bondurant Hall-and new structures,
such as the Paris-Yates Chapel and the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the
Performing Arts. The Lamar Law Center has not undergone construction of
late, but the need for a fresh appearance emerged.
Millette received an undergraduate degree from Ole Miss, yet earned a
law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. However, the attorney
felt so strongly about the landscaping project that he made the initial
contribution to get the project on track and is challenging others to
step forward with support.
"Educational programs are certainly the most important aspect of
a university, but beauty is a big selling point to both prospective students
and their parents. My wife, Lynne, has been active for many years in helping
recruit students to Ole Miss through the ART program. She has heard numerous
comments about the beauty of the campus. We also have had many friends
and relatives visit and comment on its beauty," Millette continues.
"Landscaping can be expensive, but it greatly enhances a campus.
I think it's very important; it can make a night-and-day difference in
appearances and impressions."
Attorney Roger Flynt of Atlanta recalls his reaction to recent beautification
efforts across campus: "I thought to myself, 'Wow-we've got a real
university campus now.'"
That university campus includes the historic Grove, the expansive green
space at the heart of campus for which the University has received wide
acclaim. The attorney says he sees the Lamar Law Center in its strategic
location on the border of The Grove as an extension of the much beloved
space.
"The Grove makes such a statement when people drive into campus.
I've visited many college campuses, and few have such a unique area of
beauty for students and others to enjoy," says Flynt, retired senior
vice president of BellSouth Corporation. "I became involved in the
landscaping project because I want the Law Center to be put in pristine
order. Considering its academic mission and physical placement on campus,
the Law Center should be and look first-class. Additionally, the Law School
is a very special place to me." Dr. Samuel M. Davis, UM dean of law
and holder of the Jamie L. Whitten Chair of Law and Government, agrees
with Flynt's assessment.
"This project is completing the only portion around The Grove that
hasn't received attention and is making the Lamar Law Center more beautiful,"
says Dean Davis. "We are excited about the landscaping and extremely
grateful for the generosity of alumni and friends who are making it become
a reality.
"This project will play a role in making the Lamar Law Center more
inviting to our students when they're not in the classroom," the
dean continues. "We've already seen students returning to the law
library after recent technology upgrades and other improvements. All these
elements work in concert to provide a positive environment for our students."
Chancellor Khayat explains the history: "At the time the Lamar Law
Center was completed in the late 1970s, there were no funds for an extensive
landscaping. Through the years, students planted various areas around
the building, but we have long needed a comprehensive plan for that building.
"Through the generosity of Sam Millette, Roger Flynt, and many other
graduates and friends, we now have most of the funds needed to complete
an attractive plan," Khayat says. "We are grateful to those
donors who have enabled us to carry out this work, and we invite others
to join the effort."
McManus, who directs all the landscaping and its upkeep on campus, receives
accolades from Khayat.
"The University is blessed to have Jeff McManus in this role. Jeff
and his team designed the Law Center plan just as they have others on
campus," the chancellor says. "The unparalleled beauty of this
campus is attributable to this team's expertise and commitment."
The work at the Law Center began in late April and early May with the
installation of the irrigation system, which was necessary for the proper
growth of both grass and other plantings, says McManus. Next came new
shrubs, trees, ground covering, and grass. Barry Landscaping of Jackson,
Miss., assists with landscaping on the Oxford campus and sent landscape
architect Wes Wilmoth to campus to develop the design and help supervise
work.
"According to all the studies we read, campus and building appearance
is the most influential factor to visitors during a campus visit,"
says McManus. "We are adding warmth and beauty by investing in shrubs
and ground cover under the brilliantly colorful maple trees already in
place around the Lamar Law Center to help enrich the study and academic
environment." "A hallmark of our law alumni and friends is their
response to needs of the Lamar Law Center and its students, faculty, and
staff," says Tim Walsh, associate director of alumni affairs. "Their
support on this and other projects has a far-reaching impact. In fact,
the private resources they generously provide create a remarkable margin
of excellence throughout the School of Law and the Lamar Law Center."
For more information on making a contribution, contact Tim Walsh at (662)
915-7375.
Tina Hahn is special projects communicator in the Office of Media and Public Relations.