Ann Armstrong ‘66(Horticulture) had a passion for nature…a passion for education…a passion for people. Soon after Ann died in 2004, her grown children, John Armstrong and Laura Armstrong Stone, had the same thought at the exact same time — to preserve and honor her life with an endowed scholarship. They toasted her memory at a “signing ceremony” at one of the most beautiful gardens on the planet – the CSU Trial Gardens — a place where her presence was surely felt.

“She always taught us to be charitable,” said Laura Armstrong Stone, who with her brother, John Armstrong,and their spouses established an endowed scholarship in memory of their mother, Ann, who died in 2004.

Ann had worked for many years for Open Space Mountain Parks in Boulder, Colo. She had a lifelong love of flowers, birds, butterflies, grass and fields. Next to her family, beauty in nature was the center of her world.

The family gathered at the Trial Garden to finalize the agreement for the scholarship in Ann’s name. They toasted her memory in a way she would have approved, with apple juice mock champagne!

The first recipient is Susonna Klein, a senior majoring in horticulture. It’s her desire to follow in a path similar to the one Ann chose early in her life: “to work with plants, most specifically the native species.” Susonna is also involved in recycling and conservation, peer listener / conflict mediation, and Alcohol Awareness club.

“It sounds as though Susonna is a perfect match with interest in native plants plus recycling!” said John. They will meet face-to-face at the scholarship breakfast in October.