Karin Morse’s relationship with Moses Brown spans over four decades, during which she has served as a student, a dedicated French teacher, and a visionary leader in the Alumni Association. She was known for fostering global connections in the classroom, often reflecting that she felt "truly privileged" to help students develop cultural understanding through the school’s respectful Quaker traditions. Beyond academics, Karin’s competitive spirit and mentorship flourished on the courts, where she served as the head coach for both the boys and girls varsity tennis teams. Whether coaching a match or bridging the gap between generations of graduates, Karin’s legacy is defined by her devotion to creating a supportive environment for the entire Moses Brown community.
Scientific Name
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'
Family
Fagaceae (beech/oaks)
Description
A large, majestic tree with a dense, spreading canopy and striking dark foliage.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, 2–4 inches long, oval with wavy (not toothed) margins; emerge deep purple or copper, maturing to a dark purplish-green.
Bark: Distinctively smooth, thin, and steel-gray, often resembling elephant skin.
Twigs: Slender, zigzagging, with very long, sharply pointed, "cigar-shaped" buds.
Flowers: April–May; inconspicuous; male flowers in drooping globose heads, female flowers in shorter spikes.
Fruits: September–October; small, triangular nuts (beechnuts) enclosed in a woody, prickly husk.
Other Common Names
Purple Beech
Size
Height: 50–70 feet.