In a project initiated by the Longwood criminal justice fraternity, Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE), two trees were planted April 21, 2010 on each side of the entrance to Ruffner Hall. The trees serve in memory of Dr. Debra S. Kelley, former Longwood University professor of sociology slain in September 2009. Dr. Kelley was responsible for the formation of LAE.
Misty Watkins, current president of LAE, said the hollies were chosen because they will always be there green all year around. The trees replace two lost in the Great Fire of Ruffner in 2001.
She said last year after the homicides on First Avenue, that took the life of Kelley; her estranged husband Mark Niederbrock; their daughter Emma; and her friend Melanie Wells; the fraternity couldn't fully comprehend what had happened. "We were all very upset. I guess it just hit us harder than anyone else in the school because Dr. Kelley was our adviser."
A formal ceremony held last April was attended by Chrissy Ferguson, then president of LAE, faculty members and students from the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies; Dr. Chuck Ross, dean of the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences; and members of the Sociology Club.
The trees are Nellie Stevens Hollies and were purchased from Hudgins Nursery in Chesterfield County. The business gave a discount after learning what the trees would be used for. The purchase of the trees was funded by donations to the Longwood Foundation for the Debra Kelley Memorial from colleagues, friends, former students, and LAE.
Watkins said the group worked closely with Facilities Management staff, who helped install the tree. Dr. Kelley, 53, associate professor of sociology, had taught at Longwood since 1994.
"I can't say we've gotten over it because I'm not entirely sure it's something you can get over," said Watkins when asked how the fraternity is coping since the murders.
"It's weird for me because the day she was killed, she was on campus with her daughter. I saw them and I said hi." Watkins said the fraternity is happy with McCroskey's sentencing on Monday. He will serve a life sentence for the murders. "We've read the statement from the family and we know that they're happy with the decision the judge made." She said part of the coping process involved the fraternity dedicating the trees to Kelley. "All we can do is move forward," said Watkins. "We can't go back.
