Many local supporters of Wayne College, as well as representatives from The University of Akron, joined friends and family of Phyllis Wiebe at Wayne College April 27 for the dedication of the new Phyllis Wiebe Garden.

Wiebe’s employment at Wayne College spanned a 35-year period, from 1972 until her retirement as senior administrative assistant to the dean in 2007.

“It is very appropriate that the garden is named for Phyllis,” said Jack Kristofco, Wayne College dean. “Her influence at Wayne College has been immeasurable; and, like the garden itself, she has been a link between Wayne’s proud past and the promise of its future. Her advice and counsel always helped to guide our step and reminded us that our students always came first. Her legacy will surely live on at the college.”

According to Ted Curtis, vice president of capital planning and facilities management at The University of Akron, “The new Phyllis Wiebe Garden plays an important role in the ongoing development of the Wayne College campus as part of the university’s overall Landscape for Learning initiative. As the name, Landscape for Learning, suggests, campus development is not limited to new and renovated buildings, but also to the development of green spaces that serve to preserve and enhance the unique character of the campus.”

The garden was made possible by the generosity of Smith Dairy and is a French-inspired design that honors Wiebe’s heritage. The entrances to the garden are flanked by stone pillars and wrought iron fencing, while the focal point of the garden is a fountain that Wiebe helped select. Additionally, the garden has 53 trees, numerous plantings that include knock-out roses and lavender, recycled plastic benches and a stamped concrete walkway.

The Phyllis Wiebe Garden is located between the two main campus buildings and is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours. The grounds at Wayne College also include a nature trail and arboretum, the 1818 Barnet-Hoover farmhouse and the Scott Hagen Aquatic Area.