The Carolina Tree Heritage Program (CTH) at the University of North Carolina (UNC) has successfully salvaged wood from a 250-year-old post oak tree to create memorial benches dedicated to Zijie Yan, an associate professor who lost his life in a shooting at Caudill Labs in 2021. This initiative began when the diseased tree was cut down in 2018 due to safety concerns. The program, a collaboration between the UNC Institute for the Environment and UNC Facilities, allows for the repurposing of hazardous trees into functional and artistic items for the campus community. Colleagues and friends of Yan participated in the dedication ceremony, placing flowers on the newly crafted benches. In addition to Yan's memorial, the salvaged wood has been transformed into other furniture pieces, including a table for the South Building and benches for various departments. The CTH program not only preserves the heritage of these trees but also fosters sustainability and engagement within the UNC community, with proceeds from crafted items benefiting student scholarships. The program exemplifies how historical wood can be given new life while honoring the legacy of individuals like Yan.