University of Memphis landscapers and maintenance crews have done it again.
For the second straight year, the Memphis City Beautiful Commission has honored The U of M with a City Beautiful Award.
Calvin Strong, director of custodial and landscaping services at The University, said the award was based on the campus’ overall appearance and The U of M’s effort to maintain an environmentally conscious campus.
“We have about 30 people who work in the extreme cold weather and the heat of the summer, and to see their efforts pay off ... I feel good about it,” Strong said.
Strong said a beautiful campus is an “indirect attribute for recruiting students” and added he is pleased The University has its own employees to do the job.
“Many universities are using outside resources for their landscaping needs,” he said. “I feel especially good that we are doing it with in-house personnel.”
Should The University win the award again next year, it would be inducted into the city’s Hall of Fame.
—Haley D. Davis
