Bell of '48 | The State Teachers College, 1919-1949 | Special Collections & Archives

A Bronze Bell of '48 was a gift from the Class of 1948 to honor the fallen soldiers who fought in World War II.

The first president to ring the bell was John William Jones, who was president of Northwest from 1945 to 1964.

The Bell of '48 was rung to announce the start of classes in 1949 and became a tradition for many years.

The Bell of '48 was rung to announce campus special events and celebrations such as athletic contests and victories, major entertainers and Walk-Out Day.

The class of 1948 gifted Northwest with a memorial bronze bell in honor of all the World War II soldiers who fought and died during World War II, with particular emphasis on those fallen soldiers who attended Northwest or who once lived in Northwest Missouri. Over the years, the bronze bell has heralded Northwest achievements and celebrations and mournfully chimed to honor the passing of various local, state and national people. The bronze bell is located near the majestic Bell Tower and is in direct line of sight of the Administration Building. The first president to ring the bell was John William Jones, who was president of Northwest from 1945 to 1964.