National Life’s Memorial Garden Dedicated

A beautiful place on the Vermont campus was recently dedicated to the memory of teammates and family we have lost.

The Memorial Garden project was set in motion by Ann Cookson as a way to honor Khushbu Anderson. A flower-filled space was appropriate to remember the radiant Khushbu, whose name translates as “scent of a flower.”

Scott Rogers and the facilities team, along with many volunteers took up the challenge to create a reflection area with a pergola, inscribed granite bench, an exquisite landscaping in a quiet spot on the northwest side of the main building.

At the dedication ceremony, Mehran said,

“It is fitting in my opinion that her loss would inspire us to build this space where we can remember associates that we have loved and we have lost. Also as families, we have gone through losing people during this pandemic. This is a tribute to them in terms of the way they have impacted our lives.

“We also feel that, as we come out of this pandemic—or as we’re going through this pandemic—we need to support each other’s mental health, which in my opinion, unfortunately is going to get worse because of 15 months of lockdown.

“So, to have this space, this beautiful space like this to come and sit, and reflect and remember, is just so fitting.”