In remembrance and appreciation of two longtime, dedicated Wesleyan faculty, we invite you to participate in the creation of a Care Fund dedicated to the upkeep of the Fernando La Rosa Memorial Garden. This serene garden, situated at the entrance of the Wesleyan arboretum, stands as a testament to the enduring legacies of Frances de La Rosa, an accomplished art faculty member who recently retired after an illustrious 25-year tenure at Wesleyan College, and her late husband, Fernando La Rosa, a revered art professor at Wesleyan. Notably, May 28th marked what would have been Fernando La Rosa's 80th birthday, making this endeavor even more significant.
The Story of the Fernando La Rosa Memorial Garden At Wesleyan College
In the Fall of 1998, Frances de La Rosa and her husband Fernando La Rosa moved to Macon and began teaching in the Art Department of Wesleyan College. In November 2017, Fernando passed away from cancer, teaching photography up until two weeks prior to his death. To honor him as an artist and teacher, Frances designed and implemented a memorial garden on Wesleyan’s campus, in a grove of Magnolia trees between the art building and the arboretum. This garden was realized through the generous donations of individuals, many of whom knew Frances and Fernando, and many of whom simply had a shared love of Wesleyan.
Wesleyan College invites you to honor both Frances and Fernando by making a donation for specific care of this garden.
Donations may be made to Wesleyan College with the designation of the Fernando La Rosa
Memorial Garden Care Fund. Your tax-deductible donation to this fund provides an avenue to express your support for a unique garden that celebrates not only the love of teaching shared by Frances and Fernando, but the intersection of all who enjoy the beauty of Wesleyan’s campus.