Earlier this year, Temple’s Board of Trustees honored one of the most respected leaders, Trustee H.F “Gerry” Lenfest, with a new circle in his name (view story).
Lenfest is a well-known media entrepreneur and philanthropist. According to Brandon Lausch, who is the director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at Temple, the best way to tribute this leader was with the University’s most iconic structure.
“The project included a resealing and resurfacing of the Bell Tower itself,” said Lausch. “It’d been damaged over the years so it was resealed and resurfaced to help guard against the weather and the base of the tower was redone as a tribute to Mr. Lenfest.”
In addition to the Lenfest Circle, the Bell Tower bells have been refurbished, reinstalled, and are now ready to operate by mid-October.
“I think the intention is for them to ring by the hour,” said Brandon Lausch. “This is something that hasn’t happened in many, many years here.”
The new paving work around the Bell Tower is in keeping with similar projects under the Verdant Temple landscaping plan for campus. Formally called a “campanile,” the 100-foot-tall Bell Tower was built as part of the construction of Paley Library, which was completed in 1966.
Students seem to have mix feelings about the design.
“The Bell Tower how it was originally made, made it more appealing and made it more welcoming,” said Gloria Colon, a junior. “Like the steps led students sit around, do homework, chill out before class. Now, it just looks like a statue and not like it actually pertains to the University.”
On the other hand, junior Nicole Calle appreciates the design.
“They did make it a little bit larger,” said Nicole Calle. “This is cool, because a lot of people hang out there and the floor looks nice, but I just don’t see it as such a drastic change.”
A ceremony will take place later this fall where the Bell Tower bells are expected to ring for the first time in decades.
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