The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) celebrated the completion of the historic Friendship Oak Beautification Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 21 at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The event marked a significant milestone in preserving and enhancing one of the university’s most cherished landmarks.
Speakers at the ceremony included Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul, Mississippi Department of Transportation Southern Commissioner Charles Busby, and Dr. Jeff Hinton, USM associate provost for Gulf Coast and lifelong learning success. Following the ceremony, attendees toured the Friendship Oak and attended a reception in Hardy Hall.
“The Friendship Oak has long been a symbol of strength, resilience and unity for our university and the Gulf Coast community,” Paul said. “Through this project, we have not only enhanced the area’s natural beauty but also ensured that this historic landmark remains accessible and cherished by future generations.”
The Beautification Project replaced existing sidewalks adjacent to Lloyd and Hardy halls and improved the road in front of the Friendship Oak. Enhancements also included new landscaped beds that create a natural boundary around the oak, new seating areas and upgraded campus lighting to improve pedestrian safety and visibility.
A major highlight of the project is the transformation of the Administration Plaza, the former site of the Gulf Park campus administration building. The plaza now serves as a tribute to the site’s history, featuring “ghost walls” that outline the original floor plan. Painted curbs represent the perimeter of the rooms, brick pavers mark former hallways, and foundational accents symbolize the central staircase and gathering areas.
Funding for the Friendship Oak Beautification Project was provided by the Transportation Alternatives Program, administered through the Mississippi Department of Transportation, with partial matching funds from the university.
“The Friendship Oak is a landmark for USM and the Gulf Coast. Preserving and enhancing the Oak continues to tell the story of all that it has endured through centuries of history,” said Busby.
The Friendship Oak, estimated to be more than 500 years old, stands as a living testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Gulf Coast. With these new enhancements, Southern Miss reaffirms its commitment to preserving this treasured landmark and providing a welcoming space for students, faculty and visitors alike.