The year-long Campus Master Plan process continues to yield important results. As you will recall, a key component of the plan was a corrective maintenance study which identified areas for priority attention to facilities around campus.
Accordingly, along with other needs identified, the study recommended that a structural evaluation be conducted of the 43-year-old Bell Tower adjacent to Monumental Chapel. That detailed inspection revealed substantial corrosion from within the tower resulting from the salt-laden air of Coastal Virginia. The recommendation by the inspection team was that the Bell Tower either be removed within three years for safety reasons or be strengthened for long-term use through a comprehensive renovation of the design. A second, unrelated firm completed a subsequent evaluation and affirmed these earlier recommendations as well. These findings, along with other key elements of the Campus Master Plan, were shared with selected donors of Virginia Wesleyan. Several major campus facility needs have therefore been funded through private gifts.
One individual, who prefers to remain anonymous, visiting campus one afternoon, was intrigued by the Bell Tower and asked if a gift could be applied to that project. I am therefore pleased to announce the donor's intention that a gift be designated for the preservation and renovation of the Bell Tower.
We have secured an experienced architectural firm and contractor, and next steps will call for acceptance of a structural plan for the Bell Tower. Be assured that we will honor this prominent campus landmark while ensuring its structural integrity for decades to come. I look forward to keeping you advised of our progress in preserving this site for continued use and enjoyment.
