The Eleanor Elizabeth Barker Memorial Garden was dedicated in May 2011 outside Dean Hall. The lovely garden provided the perfect spot to memorialize Eleanor Elizabeth, 2, the beautiful, blonde-haired daughter of Phil and Kelly Barker and sister of Jack who died in May 2010. Phil Barker was a member of the political science faculty from Fall Term 2008 through Spring Term 2015.

This area provides a peaceful place for meditation, relaxation, and reflection and a lasting memorial for Ella and her love of swinging. Nestled among the Live Oak Memorial established in 1919 to honor the College’s World War I alumni casualties, the garden is a favorite spot for conversation and enjoying the outdoors.

A simple plaque marks the area: “This garden is dedicated to the memory of Eleanor Elizabeth Barker who loved to swing.” The plaque also includes the quotation, “In the last analysis, all moments are key moments and life itself is grace.