On Sept. 5, a tree was planted on the Ammons Hall lawn to honor the memory of Melissa Trifiletti, director of admissions who was to become Vice President of the Division of Enrollment and Access before she passed away in August 2017.

Faculty and staff as well as friends of Trifiletti and CSU gathered to help plant the golden rain tree, noted for sprays of yellow flowers in summer followed by fruit that looks like clusters of Japanese lanterns. “This was an effort of the division as a way to honor and remember Melissa, with help from our partners in Advancement,” said Leslie Taylor, vice president of enrollment and access, who spoke at the brief ceremony. “I believe more than 50 people donated, on campus and across the nation.”

Additionally, a new bench has been installed in Trifiletti’s memory on the Oval, just north of Johnson Hall, directly west of the Academic Advancement Center. It will soon have the memorial plaque installed. “I think both of these locations will be lovely places to reflect on the impact Melissa had on our lives and on our campus,” Taylor added.