Former Slippery Rock University professor Paul Rizza donated money to help construct a garden at the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center in memory of his late wife, benefactor and former SRU professor Carolyn Carruth Rizza, who passed away last year. Photo courtesy of Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University dedicated the newly completed Carolyn Carruth Rizza Memorial Garden at the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center on Monday, Oct. 30.

The garden, at the entrance of 245 Harmony Road, pays tribute to the late university benefactor and professor of sociology and social work Carolyn Rizza, who died in December at the age of 78.

According to a news release, the 60-by-60 foot garden “includes a green space with benches, a stone walkway, a pondless water feature, lighting, perennial flowers and other plants, and flowering crab apple, hemlock and fir trees.”

The project was funded by a donation from her husband, former SRU professor Paul Rizza, and brother, Brady Carruth, the statement read.

Carolyn Rizza and her husband donated more than $1 million to the equestrian center, the news release stated, and funded a 2019 project expanding the facility to include stalls for 18 horses.

The center serves people from more than six counties, providing equine-assisted activities and therapies for children and adults with disabilities. The center also offers opportunities for Slippery Rock students to gain field experience serving people with disabilities.