Every event at Geneva starts with an idea, but not every idea starts an event — unless you are Pearl Soundron ‘26.
Double majoring in biology and literary philosophy, Pearl has developed a fascination for trees, both as physically existing organisms and as a motif in fiction and philosophy. Out of this passion grew the idea for the interdisciplinary Trees of Life Symposium held at Geneva College on April 10-11, 2026.
“The purpose of the tree symposium is to delight in trees,” says Pearl. “We hope people will be drawn into a deeper love for trees, a deeper grief at their harm, and a deeper awe of their Creator through the arts night and academic papers. Both pieces of the symposium are intended to foster creativity and serious thought around trees, our responsibility to them, and their roles in our lives.”
The symposium is split into two distinctive days: the Arts Night begins at 6:30PM on Friday, April 10 in Skye Lounge and the academic sessions will be held in Skye Lounge and Northwood 013 on Saturday, April 11. A keynote speaker will present on Saturday afternoon and alumna Anna Wargo’s Ginger Gardens will sell flowers both days. No registration is required.
The Arts Night will kick off the symposium on the evening of Friday, April 10, with a curated gallery of tree related art and the presentation of fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and dance in Skye Lounge. Attendees are encouraged to dress in “botanical chic” as they peruse the art.
The following Saturday, April 11, will include the presentation of academic papers at both 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The keynote address is at 11:00 a.m. in Skye Lounge, featuring Jeffrey Karwoski, the founder and director of local non-profit Reforest Our Future, an organization “dedicated to community reforestation, education, and action.” Saturday attendees are invited to dress in “earthy academia.”
Four panels of students, alumni, and faculty will present on a wide variety of subjects on Saturday. Among others, attendees will hear from Professor Laura Cerbus ‘08, PhD on the fruitful body of Christ; Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies Byron Curtis ‘76, PhD on trees, rivers, and Zion’s sorrow; and Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair Rodney Austin, PhD on trees and riparian buffers. Student presentations include Alexa Wilsey ‘27 on the origins of the family tree, Elizabeth Laughlin ‘27 on the symbolism of the tamarisk tree, Audrey McMahan ‘26 on the biology of olive trees, and Audrey Husted ‘26 on trees in children’s literature.
As the symposium organizer, Pearl draws inspiration from her studies in biology and the creative work of Geneva alumna Abigail de Jong ‘25, who developed an art exhibit featuring prints of leaves from every species of tree on Geneva’s campus. Pearl also finds inspiration in Scripture and the written works of Wendell Berry, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the ancient English poem “The Dream of the Rood.” These influences have led her to a deeper care for and appreciation of all of God’s creation, particularly trees.
With the assistance and funding of Geneva's English Club, Honors Council, and Creation Care Club, as well as both the English and biology departments and especially the work of Humanities and Core Department Program Coordinator Lori Symmonds, Pearl has crafted the interdisciplinary Trees of Life Symposium into one of the most anticipated events of Geneva’s 2026 spring semester.
As the symposium approaches, Pearl and all of those involved rejoice in the opportunity to share their love of trees with the campus and hope that it will have a fruitful impact on everyone who attends.
By Luke MacKenzie ‘26
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