08/22/2025
Two Years Rooted: A Celebration of Growth and Global Friendship
Two years ago, in partnership with Skal International New York and Long Island Clubs, we planted more than a tree—we planted a promise. A red maple, rooted in the soil of St. John’s University in Queens. This tree has grown not only in height but in meaning—its branches reaching toward the sky, its roots deepening into the soil of shared purpose. Now stands as a living symbol of our shared commitment to sustainability, growth, and global unity.
This tree reminds us that sustainability begins with intention. Whether in Queens or across the globe, every root we nurture strengthens the canopy of our collective future.
Let this anniversary be a beginning, not a conclusion. May this red maple inspire us to plant more seeds—of hope, of change, of responsibility.
This anniversary marks more than the passage of time. It celebrates a vision: one where sustainability and global friendship intertwine. Together, we’ve shown that sustainability is not a solitary pursuit—it’s a collaboration between generations, institutions, and nations.
As members of Skal International and the St. John’s community gather beneath its sunshade, we reflect on the values our red maple tree embodies:
Global Citizenship — A symbol of international collaboration and mutual respect.
Love and Resilience — Echoing the strength of relationships that weather seasons.
Sustainability — A commitment to protecting the planet, one tree at a time.
Let this red maple continue to inspire students, visitors, and leaders alike. May its leaves whisper stories of hope, and its roots remind us that the strongest connections are those grounded in shared values.
Here’s to two years—and to the many seasons ahead.
Skal!
