ONCE A NISTREE, ALWAYS A NISTREE: The NIST International School raised funds to relocate a tree on campus. The initiative's name, "Once a NISTree, Always a NISTree," reflected the Thailand school’s “Once a NISTie, Always A NISTie” slogan for former students.

Credit: NIST International School

A towering tree at the entrance to the NIST International School in Bangkok, Thailand, has welcomed students to the school since it opened in 1992. The "chamchuri," a distinctive rain tree known in Thailand, was planted in the 1950s and has thrived through the decades. It continued to grow not just in size but in its meaning to the campus community—symbolizing Thai culture, school history, and commitment to sustainability—as it became an integral part of NIST identity.

When the school embarked on a major campus development plan that called for a new entrance to the school in 2022, the idea of cutting the tree down was a nonstarter. So the advancement team, together with the student service group Eco-School, spearheaded a plan to relocate the spirit tree within the campus.

To support the endeavor, the advancement team launched the fundraising campaign "Once A NISTree, Always A NISTree." The idea for its title reflected the school’s “Once a NISTie, Always A NISTie” slogan used for NIST alumni and leavers. 

“The response surpassed our expectations, with students, parents, and the alumni community wholeheartedly embracing the initiative,” says Nandini Pavaphiphat, Manager, Advancement Relations. “We successfully raised $21,299 (THB 602,845), exceeding the initial target of $4,247. The surplus funds not only covered the relocation costs but also provided an opportunity to invest in other sustainability projects at NIST.”

The success of that initial campaign led to launch of a second campaign, “The NIST Giving Tree.” This three-year fundraising campaign provides members of the school community the opportunity to purchase a leaf—a symbol of growth—which is then placed on a donor wall.

Pavaphiphat says the success of the NISTree campaign came down to strategic planning starting with the decision to collaborate with the Big Tree Foundation, which provided its expertise in tree relocation to ensure the successful transfer of the raintree.

Another key component of the strategy was community engagement and communication, including videos and a newsletter, which fostered a sense of shared responsibility and understanding of the significance of the raintree. In addition, weeks before the relocation, the Eco-School group initiated various activities for students across the school to underscore the importance of environmental stewardship.

To further coalesce the community around campaign and the commitment to sustainability, the school organized a community-wide celebration to mark the successful relocation of the tree. 

Beyond the success of the campaign, the school experienced a number of bonus outcomes. The initiative provided the newly formed advancement team the opportunity to introduce itself to the school community and generate awareness of its role. 

“The project also provided unique educational opportunities for students as they were involved in the planning, awareness campaigns, and fundraising activities, offering practical lessons in environmental responsibility,” says Pavaphiphat. 

The initiative was “deeply rooted in our commitment to preserving cultural heritage, fostering sustainability, and strengthening community ties,” says Pavaphiphat. “Beyond the physical act of moving the tree, the project symbolized our dedication to environmental stewardship and served as a beginning of sustainable green projects at NIST.”