By Roo Rusk, Staff Writer
Have you or your roommate noticed more green in the dorm rooms? Wondering why there’s suddenly a cactus in every corner? Head of Security Morris “Mo” Floyd has been passing the potted houseplants he grows in his office to students on campus looking for a pick-me-up.
Floyd says he first took an interest in plants because they are small, easy to take care of, and add a nice splash of color to a room. He says he started giving them to students last spring because he thought sharing his love of them would bring some cheer when the semester gets especially difficult for some. If a student seemed to be in need of encouragement, Floyd said he would tell them “Hey, come by and get a plant!”
The entire volleyball team, coaches included, all recently received plants.
“They’ve had a tough season. They needed something not-sports-related to remind ‘em that we care for ‘em,” said Floyd.
Sophomores Sheridan Sommers and Kayla Garvert have also been involved in the plant business with Floyd. Floyd says Sommers actually helped him pot a majority of the plants, many of which are potted in coffee mugs.
“My wife and I go to garage sales, flea markets, anywhere to get a unique coffee cup that would hold a plant,” said Floyd, “this is not a school-paid-for thing.”
Garvert was one of the first to receive a plant last spring semester. She thinks the plant sharing is the perfect way to boost morale among students.
“I am a firm believer in the power of personal relationships, and I think what Mo is doing is further strengthening not only students’ relationships with him but also with this school,” Garvert said.
Garvert says she has since named her plants and has taken good care of them.
“Bonjuju and Rodney are still thriving.”
PHOTO: Courtney Klaus, Editor-In-Chief
