The idea for a monument to honor NC State alumni killed in World War I originated with Vance Sykes, a member of the class of 1907.
Standing like a sentinel at the university’s main entrance, the Memorial Tower symbolizes the defining values of North Carolina State University: courage in the face of adversity, strength of character and an unwavering commitment to service.
Built to honor 33 alumni who gave their lives in the First World War, the Belltower is the spiritual center of campus; a rallying point in times of celebration, a place of quiet reflection on solemn occasions. Called “a legend in stone,” the tower rises 115 feet above campus, anchored in the struggles and sacrifices of the past but pointing to a limitless sky.
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Tags: belltower, memorial, Memorial Belltower, The-place
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No building evokes the feel of NC State like the Memorial Belltower.
Since its completion in 1937, the 115-foot monument to alumni killed in World War I has been the university’s most recognizable symbol and likely the least-explored building on campus. Students, alumni and supporters know it well, but few have been inside the granite belfry.
Lately, though, the club of Belltower insiders has grown, thanks to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Tom Stafford.
A desire to honor those lost in combat inspired the construction of NC State’s Memorial Belltower in the 1920s.
In that same spirit, the NC State community gathered at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Belltower to honor first responders and soldiers, especially those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the wars they sparked.
It takes a big party to fittingly celebrate 125 years of tradition and transformation. More than 4,500 people turned out for NC State's birthday celebration April 2 at Reynolds Coliseum.