Several months ago, the Pack’s senior class approved plans to place a bell inside the University’s long-vacant tower as its parting present. Then began the compiling of funds for a 54-carillon engraved bell, which carried a price tag of $35,000 – a drive Senior Class President Jay Dawkins called “unprecedented.
Thursday afternoon, Dawkins announced a $17,000 donation from the Athletic Department allowed fundraising efforts to sail past the halfway point overnight.
“The Athletic Department’s involvement is something we didn’t have to make a whole lot of effort on as students,” Dawkins said. “Associate Athletic Director Dick Christy is the one who was really heading that up. They saw the opportunity.”
According to Dawkins, the contributions came directly from ticket sales at the Pack’s Homecoming football game against Maryland and season finale against UNC-Chapel Hill, both wins.
In addition, Jack McDonald, CEO of McDonald York Corporations – a local construction company – offered a challenge match of $5,000. If donors can raise $5,000 on their own, McDonald-York will match it evenly.
If matched, the company will donate the sum on behalf of Smedes York, a former Raleigh mayor and chairman of York Properties. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from State and was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree last December.
During his speech, Dawkins reminded how important it was for the seniors to give back to the University that has provided them with both an education and invaluable life experience. Katie Sullivan, a senior in political science, echoed those sentiments.
“I love N.C. State. I love the Bell Tower,” Sullivan said. “I’m so excited to give back to this University that has given so much.”
Sullivan, who heard about the announcement via Facebook invitation, said she appreciated the boost in funding.
“It’s awesome that they did that. It was nice of them and it helps out a lot,” Sullivan said. “It means a lot to see the community reaching out to N.C. State.”
Interim Chancellor James Woodward praised the fundraising efforts, stating that student involvement would help them to “remain connected emotionally to their alma mater.”
“I could not think of a better senior class gift. This tower is the icon of N.C. State,” Woodward said. “On Web sites, advertisements – the tower is always there. We have to complete this symbol of N.C. State.”
Woodward and his wife offered up a $500 personal donation toward the Bell Tower gift. Sullivan laughed off a friend’s offer that she increase his offer tenfold.
“Maybe in like a hundred years, when I actually have money,” Sullivan said.
