It's a place that Georgianna "George" Trexler would have loved, soon to be filled with brightly colored perennial flowering plants, located near what will soon become one of the focal points of the University campus.

As the William N. Pennington Student Achievement Center prepares to open its doors in the coming days, one of its most distinctive features will be the Georgianna Trexler Memorial Garden, located near the center's plaza, and named after the late administrative assistant, Georgianna "George" Trexler.

Trexler, who worked at the University for 42 years, passed away in 2013 at age 67.

Her memorial garden will be a way for students, faculty and staff to enjoy the beauty of a natural environment, while also honoring the memory of a woman who had a profound influence on the campus' daily operation and culture. Her surviving family members - brother Dennis Malchow, sisters Arlene Hobart and Debbie Yount, as well as several nieces and nephews - always knew that Trexler loved the beauty of the campus, and used this knowledge as a way to support the idea of a memorial garden in Trexler's honor.

Known affectionately as "George," Trexler was known for her tireless work ethic, her professionalism, problem-solving abilities and her longstanding commitment to mentoring younger or new classified employees.

She was described by Vice President of Administration and Finance Ron Zurek as "irrepressible and irreplaceable."

Trexler possessed a warm, engaging personality - a personality that included wearing impeccably bright clothing, clothing whose colors will be a close match for the perennials that will be featured in her memorial garden.

"In many ways," Zurek said, "George was the Grande Dame of the University. She was one of the longest-serving members of our University family and her keen institutional memory, coupled with her expertise, were invaluable."

To help ensure completion and maintenance of the garden - which is to include such low water-use perennials as hyacinthus orientalis ("China Pink"), allium ("Ambassador") and oenothera berlandieri (Mexican Evening Primrose") - the Office of Administration and Finance has established an account for contributions. Anyone interested in contributing to the fund should make out checks to "Board of Regents" and mail to:

Georgianna Trexler Memorial

Administration and Finance/0003

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, Nevada 89557-0003