Philosophy Department Hosts 45th Birthday Party for Socratrees

9 February 2023

On January 30th, the Philosophy Department celebrated the 45th birthday of its beloved ficus tree, Socratrees Barkeley. Socratrees was bought and brought to the Philosophy Department by Professor Emeritus Perry Mason in 1978, when the department first moved into Leighton Hall. When Professor Mason retired, he bequeathed the tree to Professor Anna Moltchanova, who has tended to it ever since. Socratrees’ 45th birthday was marked by a viewing of the tree, reflection on the history of the department, puzzles, a happy birthday chorus, and, of course, by many delicious homemade desserts. 

By Maya Donovan ’23