I think you all would be extremely pleased with the time and effort that has been put in on this project.
The Bell is going to be placed in front of the Convocation Center so as you are driving up it is the first thing that will be seen. I asked about the decision to put it over in front of the Convo as opposed to putting it in the staduim or in front of the Alumni center. Her reasoning was that if it were in the staduim it would only be used for 5-6 games a year and that the Alumni is for just that, Alumni. She said that it would be competing with too many different things at the stadium (cannon) and the Alumni center(sculpture park). I am going to try to recreate the drawing to the best of my abilities but those that know me well know I am a horrible artist.
The bell will be the focal point of the new structure and will be seen, unlike the old structure. It will be suspended from two concrete pillars that are maybe 4-5 feet in hight. There will be 4 steps leading up to it and it will be illuminated. Her philosophy is that less is more, I like that philosophy. It has simple, classic lines and will be a showcase for the bell.
Hank, I did ask about the plaque and she was thinking about putting a new plaque in that says Alpha Phi Omega Victory Bell dedicated in and then rededicated in 2006.
The Bell will be more accessible for all the other sports not just Football... She hopes to have the bids out by the end of this year and it should be constructed and completed in 2006. If any of you have been in Altgeld she was the one in charge of the project and it may have gone a little over time and budget but it is a beautiful building. If anyone has any questions please let me know and I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.
The Victory Bell will no longer be used as just an athletics victory but the victory that we all look forward to in our college careers, graduation. The Bell will be used as a spot for pictures when a student graduates and as a backdrop for team and organization photos. I for one am happy with the plans as they are.
I have sent this to my actives and pledges so they know what is going on. I will make my way over to the Bus on Saturday with my rendition of the new structure.

I am surprised that they put so much thought into it. I give them credit on this one for a pretty good solution.

I am happy that they seem to put some thought and effort into this one. I see both points of view having it at the staduim and having it at the Convo and I do think that it will get more use at the Convo.

spaceyme1 Wrote:I am happy that they seem to put some thought and effort into this one. I see both points of view having it at the staduim and having it at the Convo and I do think that it will get more use at the Convo.

I never thought it should go at the stadium and I still would really liked it over at the AVC, but it sounds like they are putting a lot of thought and time into it. I hope it comes out well and that it gets used and maintained like is should.

When it finally does get put up I will make an effort to get over there after all the football victories. The 5th quarter took FOREVER to get started last game anyways. We should have time to walk over there, ring the sh!t out of it, and get back to the AVC before the press conference.

Thanks for the info spacey!

If any mods read this, you can go ahead and unpin this thread. Thanks.

No problem. I want to thank all of you guys for your interest and helping me get this going, you don't understand how much your support helped me out. She asked if we wanted to have a rededication ceremony and I said yes and when it gets closer to the time I will make sure all of you know the details and I hope that you all can come out so you can see what your work helped do. Again, I do appreciate all of your help in this matter and to know that other people outside of the frat know what the bell is means alot. you guys deserve the

ok, i can't get the little bowing guy to pop up, stupid computer, or maybe stupid operator but that's what it was supposed to be. Thanks again, you guys rock!

spaceyme1 Wrote:No problem. I want to thank all of you guys for your interest and helping me get this going, you don't understand how much your support helped me out. She asked if we wanted to have a rededication ceremony and I said yes and when it gets closer to the time I will make sure all of you know the details and I hope that you all can come out so you can see what your work helped do. Again, I do appreciate all of your help in this matter and to know that other people outside of the frat know what the bell is means alot. you guys deserve the

I would love to be there. Please keep us informed! Thanks again.

spaceyme1 Wrote:ok, i can't get the little bowing guy to pop up, stupid computer, or maybe stupid operator but that's what it was supposed to be.  Thanks again, you guys rock!

spaceyme1 Wrote:ok, i can't get the little bowing guy to pop up, stupid computer, or maybe stupid operator but that's what it was supposed to be. Thanks again, you guys rock!

Congratulations on your excellent efforts Stacey!

HuskiemobileMan Wrote:

spaceyme1 Wrote:No problem.  I want to thank all of you guys for your interest and helping me get this going, you don't understand how much your support helped me out.  She asked if we wanted to have a rededication ceremony and I said yes and when it gets closer to the time I will make sure all of you know the details and I hope that you all can come out so you can see what your work helped do.  Again, I do appreciate all of your help in this matter and to know that other people outside of the frat know what the bell is means alot.  you guys deserve the

I would love to be there. Please keep us informed! Thanks again.

Great job in building NIU traditions Matt!

"Artists" rendition:



:D

Great work y'all!

I do love that artist's rendition, that is just lovely... It looks a weeeee bit out of scale though. The new housing will look much nicer than the old tower.

spaceyme1 Wrote:I do love that artist's rendition, that is just lovely... It looks a weeeee bit out of scale though. The new housing will look much nicer than the old tower.

Hey everyone can't be perfect!

The cool thing will be in 30 years you can take your grand kids to the old convo building to see the bell you guys helped revive. We need more Alumni like you guys.