---
title: Listening Garden Dedicated at Memorial Chapel
date: 2024-04-19T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/listening-garden-dedicated-at-memorial-chapel"
section: Articles
---
# Listening Garden Dedicated at Memorial Chapel

*April 19, 2024* — by [Sala Levin ’10](/author/sala-levin-10)


> Space Encourages Visitors to Engage With Nature and Each Other

*Listening Garden Dedication 04182024 RS 1763 1920x1080 fixed — Granite benches engraved with words related to dialogue are the primary features of the new Listening Garden behind Memorial Chapel. The bench etched with the word "inspire" honors the memory of late UMD student Kylie Dawson. Paisley Brockmeyer '25, chair of the Student Facilities Fund, cut the ribbon at Thursday's dedication ceremony (below).*

Nestled behind Memorial Chapel, red tulips, glossy-leafed magnolia trees and neat rows of boxwoods beckon to passersby on foot, scooter, bike or by car, inviting them to pause, together.

The University of Maryland dedicated its new Listening Garden on Thursday, officially opening a space where visitors are encouraged to hear nature, one another and their own thoughts.

“Our team constructed a space that by design encourages people to be close to each other, to look at each other and to be across from one another,” said Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, director of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, which includes the chapel.

That goal is reflected in the layout of the garden’s seating: After their installation next week, pergolas will envelop four sets of granite benches, creating a sense of intimacy, and some of the seating is engraved with positive or comforting words like “gather” and “empathy.”

“When I walked around here just now, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace,” said Paisley Brockmeyer ’25, chair of the Student Facilities Fund, which gave financial support to the garden.


*woman cuts ribbon at Listening Garden dedication ceremony*




**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)


**Tags:** [Student Experience](https://today.umd.edu/topic/student-experience)


**Units:** [Division of Student Affairs](https://today.umd.edu/topic/division-student-affairs), [Facilities Management](https://today.umd.edu/topic/facilities-management)