And a very important part she was — and will continue to be: Chancellor Marye Anne Fox announced at the gala Ms. Ruby’s commitment of $1.2 million toward the new Arboretum Education Center. Fox further announced the conversion of the $300,000 challenge issued last year by Willie York and his (now deceased) wife, Lib, to a $300,000 pledge. The McSwain and York gifts together will greatly enhance the capability to seek Phase I bids for the beginning of construction on the new center. Fox intends to recommend that the center be named for Ruby McSwain.

When complete, the Arboretum Education Center complex will include a scenic entrance pavilion to a main building, as well as a greenhouse, volunteer facility, offices and shop. It will expand and enhance activities already well under way.

The mission of the arboretum is to enrich and expand urban and residential landscapes by promoting a greater diversity of superior and better adapted landscape plants for creative, environmentally sound landscapes. The eight-acre arboretum combines the efforts and talents of students and university faculty in the Horticultural Science Department, staff members, an engaged nursery and landscape industry and a legion of volunteers, according to director Dr. Robert Lyons. “Our eight acres are rich in horticultural diversity and ambience. Students of plant materials can review an incredible variety of unique plants while rubbing shoulders with those who visit to simply enjoy an atmosphere of calm and respite.”

On May 7, the arboretum was a particularly resplendent setting for events that began with an afternoon garden party. Visitors could stroll among the vibrant blooms, meticulously landscaped borders and lush, shady pathways to tents where numerous treasures for the art lover and gardening enthusiast were offered for silent auction bidding. Objects ranging from topiary, terra cotta chimes, edging tools and a bucket of herbs to paintings, airline reservations, basketball tickets and resort packages were donated by individuals and private companies in support of the arboretum.

The gala was capped off by a dinner program in the arboretum’s Secret Garden — a semi-secluded area worthy of evoking Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel of that name.

Ms. Ruby, a Sanford resident, served as honorary co-chairperson of the event along with Bill and Libby Wilder, of Knightdale. Wilder is past president of the JC Raulston Arboretum Board of Advisors. The Wilders retired last year after 18 years at the helm of the N.C. Association of Nurserymen and 16 years with the N.C. Landscape Association.

During the evening’s ceremonies, described by College Dean James L. Oblinger as “truly an historic moment,” Chancellor Fox announced the McSwain and York gifts and presented each of the benefactors tokens of appreciation for their leadership and generosity.

Taking center gazebo in response, Ms. Ruby said, “The College has brought a new dimension to my life. To be part of the JC Raulston Arboretum is just beyond my imagination. I just love this place. I encourage all of you to join the crowd and support it.”