On 4 December 2019, Rhodes University’s Communications and Advancement Division, together with Terryl Mc Carthy’s son, Ryan, planted a tree in memory of their late colleague.
The tree is outside of the Alumni House building and bears a gold plaque that reads, “This tree was planted in memory of Terryl Mc Carthy – 4 December 2019”.
The choice of tree, a Millettia grandis, is significant, as its flowers are purple. The Division felt this was an apt symbol of Terryl’s legacy, because of her work with Purple Thursdays and her love for the University in general. Since Terryl’s “blood was purple”, the Division felt her symbol of honour should bear the same colour as well.
Here are a few pictures taken during the tree-planting event:
