A tree for healing

TIFFIN — A tree was recently planted in front of Heidelberg University's Adams Hall as more than just a nod to Arbor Day — it's a symbol of healing and remembrance in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In front of the already-planted tree, 114 pinwheels will be featured — one for each Ohioan killed by interpersonal violence in 2024. Attendees will be invited to decorate a pinwheel in honor of someone they know or as a pledge to promote safety and prevention on campus. The event had been scheduled for this week, but was postponed due to rain. Meredith Lucius, who serves as the project director and sexual assault advocate at Heidelberg's Center for Survivor Empowerment, said the idea stemmed from a research paper she read titled "Aggression and Violence in the Inner City: Effects of Environment via Mental Fatigue" by Frances E. Kuo and William C. Sullivan. "They wrote about specific studies that showed partners being significantly less aggressive with their spouses when they had more trees and greenery," Lucius said. "And then I just went down the rabbit hole of finding more and more studies that also support that hypothesis." By working with Heidelberg's Tree Advisory Committee, led by Doug Kane, Lucius was able to coordinate the tree planting, also partnering with the student sustainability group Alliance for Sustainability, co-led by students Maddie Brillhart and Liv Matthews. Lucius said her role on campus goes beyond awareness, and is also about action and support. She is joined on campus by part-time advocate Arianna VanHoose, who provides confidential resources for students impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence or stalking, and works on initiatives to create long-term cultural change. "This year we are looking into more passive programming that the students can see and witness every day," Lucius said. "Which is why we came up with planting the tree." She said passive prevention efforts, like public displays and green space, serve as everyday reminders of community values and as subtle contributors to mental well-being — ideas backed by the same research that sparked the project. She also highlighted national statistics that reflect the urgency of the issue on college campuses. According to her research, Lucius said 53% of women, 47% of nonbinary or trans people and about 29% of men reported experiencing sexual assault in the past year. Of those, 43% were college students. "Those statistics are just alarming," she said. "And that's not even taking into account people who didn't or couldn't report." Lucius emphasized she is one of many support options available to Heidelberg students. The university also offers services through its health and counseling center, Title IX department, campus security and off-campus partners. At this time, a rescheduled date has not been announced. Until the event is set again, Lucius said she hopes the tree already in place serves as a physical commitment to cultivating a safer, more aware campus.