98 98 It was 1914 when three women — the first graduating class of South Georgia State Normal College — planted a two- foot-tall live oak tree at the Patterson Street entrance of campus. They planted it not for themselves but for posterity. As South Georgia State Normal College transitioned to Georgia State Woman’s College in 1922, Valdosta State College in 1950, and Valdosta State University in 1993, the live oak thrived, its roots reminding every Blazer to always remember from where they came, its trunk inspiring every Blazer to stand strong, to never stop trying, and to rise up against the odds, its branches encouraging every Blazer to pursue their dreams, relish the adventure, make a difference, and conquer the unknown. More than a century later, the Graduation Tree continues to greet Valdosta State University students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and friends — and provide them with shade from the merciless southern sun and shelter from unforeseen rain showers — just as the three women who planted it imagined and hoped. A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE: THE GRADUATION TREE WRITTEN BY JESSICA R. POPE PHOTO BY PAUL LEAVY DEJAVU ` `