WHAT: At the new College of Pharmacy Courtyard and the Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden visitors will find plants that help prevent or cure everything from cold sores to cancer. The garden is named after the College of Pharmacy’s founding dean, the late Heber W. Youngken Jr., a pioneer in the study of medicinal plants. Now, with 200 medicinal plants, 500 ornamental plants, 9 birch trees, sodded areas, walkways, benches shaped in the form of birch leaves and a translucent sculptural frieze featuring panels that depict plant life in laboratory slides, the courtyard and garden are places for research and respite from the demands of 21st century life. The courtyard and medicinal garden are URI’s response to the state’s requirement that each building funded by taxpayers have an element of art as part of the project. The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts funded the courtyard portion of the project.
Officials to celebrate opening of the beautiful public and scientific space built just steps from the college’s new $75 million home. A stunning example of public space that draws on nature, science and art, the site is a central piece of the health and life sciences facilities in the north district of the Kingston Campus. As part of the day’s events, Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council will speak following the opening ceremonies.
WHO: Officials from the University of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, the URI Foundation, the Heber W. Youngken Jr. Foundation, Friends of the Youngken Medicinal Garden, faculty and students and youngsters from URI’s Child Development Center.
WHEN: Friday, April 26, 10:30 a.m., Blumenthal keynote talk to follow at noon.
WHERE: College of Pharmacy Building, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston. Ceremonies will be held at the site, which is located to the south side of the college and between Woodward and Tyler halls. The keynote lecture will be held in the College of Pharmacy auditorium.
TO MAKE COVERAGE ARRANGEMENTS: Contact Dave Lavallee, URI Marketing and Communications, 401-874-5862, cell 401-465-4291, email, dlavallee@uri.edu