Mariana Qubein Honored with Long Leaf Pine Award at HPU
HIGH POINT, N.C., April 29, 2024 – High Point University First Lady Mariana Qubein was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, the highest honor given by a North Carolina governor, during a ceremony on HPU’s campus on April 24.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded by the governor of North Carolina to a person for exemplary service to the state and their community that is above and beyond the call of duty. This person has also made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.
High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson presented the award on behalf of the governor’s office to Qubein during the ceremony.
“I am very touched and honored to receive this award. I never thought or dreamed of receiving such prestigious recognition, and I am very grateful,” Qubein said. “My friends and family have really shaped me into who I am today, so I’m very thankful for their love and support.”
Qubein has provided years of service and commitment to HPU students and has inspired children through the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum, which will celebrate the two-year anniversary of its grand opening on April 30. Since its opening, the museum has welcomed 350,000 visitors and generated an economic impact of $45 million to the city of High Point. It received the Visitor Attraction of the Year Award from the North Carolina Travel Industry Association in 2022.
In addition, Qubein has spearheaded the growth of the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which features more than 30 gardens and 3,700 different plants across HPU’s campus. As a result, HPU received the Tree Campus Higher Education award for the 15th consecutive year at the university’s annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 18.
Formerly known as Tree Campus USA, Tree Campus Higher Education is an Arbor Day Foundation program that honors universities, colleges and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
“As part of her legacy, Mrs. Qubein could have done a number of things, but her commitment to High Point and our community’s future is evident in her investment and creation of the children’s museum,” said Megan Ward, executive director of the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum. “By prioritizing the wellbeing of children and families, Mrs. Qubein has enhanced the city’s cultural and educational landscape, creating a more vibrant and family-friendly community. Mrs. Qubein is making an impact on her hometown, making High Point an even better place to raise a family.”
Chris Greene, a longtime educator and proponent of education in Guilford County, shared the story of Qubein’s journey from Lebanon to High Point. After graduating from what was then High Point College with a biology degree in 1977, she married Dr. Nido Qubein, who has served as HPU’s president since 2005.
“She has always been committed to HPU, and as the First Lady of High Point University, she is an ambassador for and also a shining star of this university,” said Dr. Daniel Erb, HPU’s provost. “Mrs. Qubein has provided years of service and commitment to High Point University and its students.”
Other recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award include Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan, Dean Smith, Andy Griffith and Billy Graham.