Rooted in Knowledge: Tree Planting Marks Philosophy Professor’s 90 Years and Lasting Influence on Students
September 29, 2025
By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences
Philosophy faculty, staff, alumni and friends gathered Sept. 17 with retired Professor Tom Maloney to celebrate a major milestone birthday – and his ongoing support of current students – with a tree planting ceremony in the Humanities quad.
“Thank you for being here. In honor of Tom’s 90th birthday, we thought, what better way to honor him and his legacy than by planting a tree that would outlast all of us,” said Philosophy Department Chair Avery Kolers. “It symbolizes the giving of life to future students for generations to come.”
Maloney taught Philosophy at the University of Louisville for nearly 50 years, putting in long service as an undergraduate advisor for Philosophy majors and minors. Specializing in medieval philosophy, his research focuses on medieval logic and semantics, particularly the works of Roger Bacon.
Known for his dedication to teaching, Maloney's legacy continues through a need-based scholarship awarded in his honor to Kentucky-resident philosophy majors. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the department, its students, and the city of Louisville.
Tom’s friend and colleague, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary and Public Humanities Pamela Beattie, prepared comments that were read by Elaine Wise, a retired faculty member and current member of the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Alumni Council, as Beattie is on sabbatical.
The tree planted in Maloney's honor is an American Holly.
“In the field of medieval philosophy, trees were extremely important, symbolically, metaphorically, and actually,” Beattie’s remarks said. “Trees were used to organize systems and structures of knowledge that ranged from the Tree of Jesse, the ultimate genealogical tree, to trees of virtues and vices.”
Her remarks went on to say, “It is highly appropriate to connect the wisdom symbolized by trees with the life and wisdom of Dr. Maloney through the dedication of this tree...At the very least, the tree will remain as a tangible reminder of Tom’s immortality on our campus and the lasting impact he has had on students throughout the years.”
Maloney joined facilities staff in turning the soil as the tree was planted among cheers from his friends and supporters.
“The number one barrier for students is unmet financial need,” Kolers said in closing. “Tom created the Tom Maloney Scholarship in 2018, and since then, 18 students have been supported to persist to their Philosophy degrees. It’s an all-star team of our high-flying students who have gone on to great success. The tree symbolizes that Tom is using his name and resources to further the futures of so many students.”
The day after the tree planting, Maloney joined Philosophy alumni and friends again at Hop Atomica to celebrate his birthday in an event hosted by the Philosophy Department.
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