From acorn to oak: growing a tradition
Surprisingly, it started with a redwood tree. When Furman Moseley, Class of 1956, gave Elon University’s commencement address in 1991, he had no idea he was planting the seed of tradition at his alma mater. Moseley spoke about his career in the California timber business, offering each graduate a redwood sapling to solidify the metaphor for life, hard work and growth. “President (Fred) Young and the students loved it so much, he wanted to continue it,” said George Troxler, professor emeritus of history.


















