WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Purdue University celebrated the 25th anniversary of the bell tower on campus Wednesday.
The tower's construction was completed and dedicated on October 14, 1995 in an effort to replicated the original bell tower that was part of the old Heavilon Hall. The original Heavilon Hall was destroyed just four days after it was built. The newest bell tower was a gift from the Purdue class of 1948.
The tower was built to embody the 'One Brick Higher' mentality that's brought by everyone who visits campus on a regular basis.
Elizabeth Hartley is the Director of Alumni and Donor Relations at Purdue. She said the bell tower is truly ingrained into the fabric of the University.
"It is a symbol to Boilermakers that we are persistent," said Hartley. "It is built on the concept of the one brick higher, that when tragedy happens, we are resilient, we are going to go and rebuild, one brick higher."
John Norberg echoed Hartley's sentiments.
"It instantly became a symbol of the campus, I mean instantly," said Norberg. "I think that obviously it's so beautiful, and it is so based on traditions and traditions are so important to the University."
A time capsule has been placed under the tower, and it will be revealed at it's100th anniversary in 2095.
