While some students like the idea of a new monument on campus, others question its necessity
By Hannah Gray
What was supposed to be a celebration of the University of Portland has prompted some students to question the value of building a 90-foot bell tower on campus.
Much of the negative response to the bell tower stems from confusion over the funding source and whether the construction will take money away from what students think is more vital to their education.
Although some students think the bell tower would be a nice addition to the campus, their concern is that the money could be allocated to different resources.
"I've heard that it is going to be the highest structure. That's pretty cool I guess. But I think it is a waste of money because it's hidden, not even in the center," freshman Darren Kwan said.
As to where the funding comes from, Kwan said, "I think it comes from the school - money that could go towards financial aid for students." Kwan, like many other students, is under the impression that the funding comes from within the University and is easily accessible for financial aid.
The funding for the bell tower comes from Allen Lund, the chairman for the Board of Regents, and his wife, Kathleen. The Lund family wanted to fund a project that allowed UP to stand out as a Catholic university. The Lunds funded the entire project, including the 14 bells going in the tower.
"Because of their generosity, not a dollar of student tuition will be used to create this timeless symbol," the Rev. Thomas P. Doyle, C.S.C., said via email. "And this gift is in addition to the many scholarships that the Lunds have funded at UP for almost a decade."
Engravings on the bells were sold for prices ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Even though donors have already paid for the bells, the donations gathered for the engravings alone will be allocated for an endowment to the Campus Ministry at UP. These financial contributions for the bells are also coming from sources outside the University.
The Rev. John Donato, C.S.C., director of Campus Ministry is excited to see the bell tower go up, and especially for the Marian Garden that will surround the bell tower. As for the endowment, he is grateful for the benefactors' generosity. "As a Catholic university, we want to provide the highest quality and ample religious programming to our community," Donato said. "The monies the endowment will generate will make a significant difference in our ability to offer retreats and all sorts of other opportunities that directly ?serve our students."
The bell tower will be seen as an icon for the University for many years. Doyle hopes that the Marian Garden that will serve as a place for people to pray.
With the bell tower, the UP campus will be able to stand out "as a visual and auditory reminder of who we are as an academic community and who we are called to be," Doyle said.
Regardless of a structural effort to make the campus stand out, some students still think that the money could be used for better reasons. "I think our chapel, campus and Catholic values make us stand out," senior Brianna Popson said. "I don't understand why we need something so large."
Freshman Locke Bielefeldt agrees that the bell tower is not a wise financial choice. "I agree that the bell tower is a waste of money," Bielefeldt said.
Sophomore David Lewis thinks that, although the idea is interesting, the money could be given to other things. However, he understands that the money is coming from outside the University. "If that is what the money is for, then that's where the money should go," Lewis said.
Other students, though, think that the bell tower will add an aesthetically pleasing point for the campus. "I think it brings a lot to the campus and a picturesque point," freshman Carly Pentzien said. "It's great that people want to help out the campus."
Then there are those who neutral to the bell tower.
Biology professor Michael Snow said, "I think it is an interesting addition, but I have been on other campuses with the bell tower so I am accustomed to the idea. I am kind of neutral - it doesn't seem ?new or jolting."
Freshman Emma Chadband, on the contrary, understands that the bell tower is funded from a source outside the University and is apathetic. "As long as the school isn't using our money to build the tower, I don't really care," Chadband said.
Sophomore Susie Debord agrees that although there is some confusion of the money source, she is neutral. "For the most part, my friends and I are confused why money would go toward that. But it would be cool. So I am pretty much neutral," Debord said.
According to Doyle, "the ultimate beneficiaries of both the bell tower and the special endowment are the students. And it does not cost students a dime while allowing us to forge forward to fulfill other meaningful campus priorities."
