Brad Dillard, manager of central control for the Physical Plant, said the tree is a symbol to the construction workers, representing a zero injury rate on the job site.

It’s not just there because somebody strange wants to put a tree up, Dillard said. It actually has significance among the construction workers on the job site.

The SIUC Physical Plant and Ironworkers Local 782 for Rednour Steel Erectors held a topping-out ceremony to represent the safe worksite at a June 13 ceremony for the new Steam Plant.

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The Illinois Capital Develop-ment Board was also on hand.

Dillard said that at the ceremony, workers on the construction site, members of the Physical Plant and the ICDB personally signed a white steel beam, hoisted the beam into position and placed the seven-foot cedar tree and flags on top.

The tree stands on the new addition of the Steam Plant and is positioned toward Highway 51 North, next to McAndrew Stadium.

Richard Pengress, job steward for Local 782, said the iron-workers’ tradition of topping out has been around for about a century.

Pengress said being on jobs where no one has been hurt leaves him with a sense of pride in his work.

This has been a real good job. It’s safe, no injuries and