Shannon LittlejohnThe irises are blooming in the Hugo Wall Iris Garden, dedicated in April 2008 during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs.
The garden is located due south of Hubbard Hall, north of Jabara Hall and west of Lindquist Hall. The iris are partially shaded by a small tree.
Wall was instrumental in the 1958 creation of WSU's Center for Urban Studies, which he directed and is now named after him.
His career at the university began in 1929 and, over 40 years, included serving as professor of political science, dean of the graduate school, vice president for academic affairs and, finally, director of the center.
Through it all the Kansas native loved and cultivated irises. The blue iris in the garden was one of his specialties.
After he retired, Wall continued his interest in both university and community, but he also was able to spend more time with his flowers. He belonged to the American Iris Society and served as its president in 1971. Wall died in 1975.
The 2008 dedication included a plaque mounted on a garden bench where the scent of the iris can calm the frazzled nerves of students, faculty and staff nearing the end of their spring semester.