Tribute Garden Opportunities

Russell Sage College offers special opportunities to honor people who have graced us in a special way, to memorialize or honor your loved ones, while making a difference at our institution. Our Tribute Gardens pay respect to cherished friends, while adding to the beauty of our campuses.

The Tribute Garden on the Troy campus is located next to the Carriage House between Spanish House and Frear House. The Tribute Garden on the Albany campus is located between Rathbone Hall and Esteves Science Hall. The gardens are designed as quiet, introspective spaces on campus with plants and benches flanking their sides — a place people can go to sit and meditate, study or take a break from the world around them. Gifts to the gardens will enable Sage the opportunity to maintain and grow the gardens and other areas of natural beauty on our campuses as well as support Sage’s educational mission.

There are a variety of opportunities to be a part of the Tribute Gardens, including:

With a gift of $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000 a plaque (varying in size depending on the gift level) will be engraved with a loved one’s name and placed on the main Tribute Garden plaque in the garden on the campus of your choice.

The Tribute Garden will be planted primarily with native trees and plantings. The trees have been selected for their variety and hardiness. The exact location for each tree in the garden is at the college’s discretion, with the donor’s interests in mind.  The tree will be identified with a plaque with the dedication text provided by the donor.

New and existing trees planted will have a three-year replacement guarantee. If the tree fails to thrive within three years from the time it is dedicated, the tree will be replaced by Sage.

Trees may be selected for a donation of $10,000 – $20,000 (depending on size and type of tree).

A select number of benches will be strategically placed in the gardens, offering a serene seating environment to take time out to unwind and relax. Bench choices will be made in conjunction with the master plan for the gardens. Benches are available for a minimum donation of $10,000.

Water fountains will add a beautiful backdrop – strategically placed to add a soothing, natural tranquility to the gardens. Each fountain will be chosen based on its design, material use, expected lifespan and tranquility to the gardens.  Fountains may be selected as a tribute starting at the $20,000 donation level.

Remember and celebrate cherished friends or family members, while adding to the beauty of each campus, by naming a Tribute Garden or honor your love of Russell Sage College by placing your name on the garden. A garden on each campus is available to be named for a donation of $100,000.