A piece of space exploration history has taken root at Tarleton State University following the dedication of an American sycamore Moon Tree on campus today. The ceremony welcomed Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, his wife, Dotty, and Rosemary Roosa, president of the Moon Tree Foundation and daughter of Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa, to celebrate a living symbol of discovery, perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge.
Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley (left), Dotty Duke, Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, Moon Tree Foundation President Rosemary Roosa and Mayfield College of Engineering Dean Rafael Landaeta celebrate the dedication of an American sycamore Moon Tree outside the Dick Smith Library.
Planted on the lawn outside the Dick Smith Library, near the recently completed expansion, the Moon Tree connects Tarleton State to NASA’s legacy of space exploration while offering future generations of students an opportunity to explore the possibilities of scientific discovery.
“Today, we are planting more than a tree. We are planting a symbol of possibility, perseverance, and the extraordinary things that can happen when people believe in something bigger than themselves,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “May this tree stand for generations as a reminder that our roots can be firmly planted in Texas while our aspirations reach far beyond the stars.”
The original Moon Trees trace their history to NASA’s Apollo 14 mission in 1971, when astronaut Stuart Roosa carried hundreds of tree seeds into lunar orbit as part of a joint project with the U.S. Forest Service. Following their return to Earth, the seeds were germinated and planted across the country. The legacy has continued through subsequent generations of Moon Trees.
“Our motto is ‘Planting the seeds of Inspiration,’ and we are pleased to be planting a moon tree at Tarleton State today,” said Rosemary. “These moon trees represent the successes, the courage, and the failures and sacrifices of our space program. But most importantly, it represents the triumphs of the Apollo moon program. May this moon tree inspire generations of students to dream boldly, explore courageously and remember that the spirit of discovery is rooted right here on Earth.”
The dedication further strengthens Tarleton State’s connection to the space exploration community, following the establishment of its partnership with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) in January, sponsored by Charlie and Dotty Duke. Earlier this year, Tarleton State senior Sadie Shudde, a math and computer science double major, was named the university’s first ASF recipient, earning a $15,000 scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year.
Through the partnership, students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics gain access to scholarship support, astronaut mentorship and professional networking opportunities.
“At Tarleton State, we talk often about being Made for More,” Hurley said. “To me, that means refusing to place limits on what our students can achieve. It means creating opportunities, encouraging curiosity, and preparing graduates who have the confidence to pursue goals that others might consider out of reach.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.