Tree dedication ceremony honors EOP legacies
Two dogwood trees planted in the Peace Quad honor Michael Boyd '79, MA '87, and Louis Del Valle '76, MA '78
The Binghamton Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) held a tree dedication ceremony April 12 to honor the lasting legacies of former EOP Director Michael Boyd ‘79, MA ‘87, and former EOP Senior Associate Director Louis Del Valle ‘76, MA ‘78. Hosted by the Upsilon Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., in conjunction with Binghamton EOP and the Alumni Engagement office, the event brought together alumni, students and staff for a tribute that celebrated the impact of Boyd and Del Valle.
The ceremony featured inspiring remarks and personal reflections from speakers such as EOP Director Karima Legette ‘01, MA ‘05; former EOP Counselor Westley Van Dunk ‘78; State Sen. Lea Webb; and Sunny Hostin ‘90, Binghamton EOP alumni and host of The View; as well as tributes from Justin Boyd, son of Michael Boyd, and Ayana Del Valle, daughter of Louis Del Valle.
“It’s only natural that we are planting trees to truly honor the memories [of Boyd and Del Valle],” Hostin said in her speech, “Because through their work, Mike [Boyd] and Louis [Del Valle] planted something in so many of us. They nurtured us and watched us blossom.”
The two dogwood trees were planted outside of the EOP suite on the east side of the University Union. Each tree is marked with a plaque honoring the men.
“Today’s planting is a symbol of our legacy, of our growth and of how one seed, when nurtured with intention, love and resilience, can become a forest of possibility,” Legette said to a capacity crowd within the Jay S. and Jeanne Benet Alumni Lounge.
Michael Boyd served as EOP director from 1986–1994. In honor and recognition of his contributions to the University and to EOP, the Educational Opportunity Program Center was officially named for Michael V. Boyd in a ceremony on May 12, 1995. He championed his students, offering counseling, encouragement and support to all who walked through the EOP doors.
Louis Del Valle worked in the EOP for more than 25 years, affecting the lives of thousands of students. He was committed to making higher education accessible to all. Each year, EOP presents the Louis and Mimi Del Valle Achievement Award, acknowledging a graduating senior in recognition of academic excellence and service to the University and/or local community.