A replacement for a tree that was originally planted on campus by a general has been planted in Founder’s Court by another general. The pecan tree planted in 1920 by Gen. John Pershing had to be removed recently because the deteriorating health of the tree made it a major safety hazard. After Saturday’s commencement ceremony, retired Gen. Colin Powell helped plant a replacement for the Pershing pecan tree in memory of Pershing, a leader who inspired him. Powell was a member of the Pershing Rifles, the oldest operating college fraternal organization dedicated to military drill, while he attended the City College of New York. Pictured (from left): Grounds Superintendent Ron Smith, President David Leebron, Powell, Professor of History John Boles, Commencement Grand Marshal Keith Cooper and Richard Johnson, director of Rice’s Administrative Center for Sustainability and Energy Management. (Photo by Tommy LaVergne)