History & Purpose
Georgia College has an opportunity to restore a historic campus tradition dating back to the University's centennial celebration. In 1989, through the efforts of Dr. Kurt Hoffman and Senator Sam Nunn, an effort to acquire a "victory bell" was lead as a part of the college's centennial celebrations. The college was granted a loan for a bell from the curator of the United States Navy which which rung on a now decommissioned Navy Vessel.
At the present time, the bell is in the basement of Beeson Hall surrounded by exposed pipes, torn carpet, spider webs and walls slipping into disrepair. Simply put, this is no way to store a piece of Georgia College history and needs to be put on display.
The addition of the bell tower to the exterior of the Centennial Center would help students, faculty, staff, and alumni in building and sustaining a sense of campus ethos and pride surrounding Bobcat game day and beyond.
The Centennial Center, which was completed in the fall of 1989 marking the University's centennial year, serves as the home for the Georgia College men's and women's basketball teams as well as the offices of the Bobcat athletic department. The building is located within the historical district of Milledgeville and provides the perfect backdrop for this project.
Through a series of interviews and communications with alumni, and longtime faculty and staff the Student Government Association was able to gather information on how the bell was originally used. According to Dr. Jahr, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, "When it was originally secured, plant operations built the stand for it and it was on wheels. As memory serves me, it was used in the Centennial Center and rung at the start and end of games."
The popular Homecoming Concert is just three years old, Mr. & Ms. GCSU is relatively young compared to the overall history of the university, and numerous other campus traditions are still in their infancy. Recognizing Georgia College's diverse history and numerous changes through the years, the Centennial Bell Tower will serve as a reminder and connection to our past ensuring traditions will carry on.
Once completed, the Centennial Bell Tower will serve as a gathering point for students and fans alike for numerous celebrations and victories. Imagine the Georgia College Bobcats fighting for a tough victory and fans upon fans taking turns and forming a line to take turns pulling the rope to ring the bell and celebrate the victory. This type of school spirit and tradition could be something that develops right here, right now, through your contribution!
If you would like more information on the Centennial Bell Tower Project or more information the Bell's history please contact Student Body President Zach Mullins at (478) 445-2795 or sga.president@gcsu.edu.
