Dr. John Wott making the champagne toast, with Paige and her husband, Biff.

About 100 guests joined us at the Graham Visitors Center on Monday, July 31, to say thanks to our director Paige Miller for her 10 years of valuable service to the Arboretum — and to wish her well on her next venture. Paige is moving to New Orleans to be with her husband Biff and to work with him on developing a new treatment for late-stage cancers.

It was a special evening, with many of Paige’s friends, colleagues, and co-workers (past and present) in attendance.

Representatives from all three Arboretum partners gave speeches outlining Paige’s many accomplishments over the past decade. Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Michael Shiosake, UW Botanic Gardens’ Fred Hoyt, and former Foundation Board member Della Balick all spoke, as did former Deputy Mayor Bill Stafford. Arboretum Director Emeritus Dr. John Wott made a champagne toast, and a lot of cake was consumed.

Thanks, Paige, for all you’ve done over the past decade to sustain and enhance this unique place!

More photos: See lots more photos on our Facebook page.