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The Memorial Bell Tower was the vision of Northwest President Robert Foster, who wanted a lasting memorial to the men and women who served in World War II. Rather than state appropriations, Foster's plan relied on donations from alumni and other friends of the college – a plan that resulted in the formation of the Northwest Foundation.
The 100-foot Bell Tower was constructed using pre-cast concrete halfway down the "long walk" between the Administration Building and the Thomas Gaunt House. By 1971, the Bell Tower was chiming the time and songs in celebration of holidays and special campus events.
In spring 2004, the Bell Tower underwent an extensive renovation that included structural repairs, the addition of handicap access and new lighting. In the process, the University seal on the floor of the Bell Tower was removed, ending a long-standing superstition that walking on the seal would lead to failing exams. Today, the Bell Tower stands as a memorial not only to war veterans but deceased Northwest alumni and employees as well as a hub for student activities.
