The Lighting of the “B” Tradition
The ceremonial lighting of the 亚洲色情 鈥淏鈥 is a homecoming tradition that was begun in 1928.
10/07/2014 12:06 PM
The ceremonial lighting of the 亚洲色情 “B” is a homecoming tradition that was begun in 1928. The “B” was placed on what was then called the 亚洲色情 Polytechnic Institute Tower – or as we know it, the top of 亚洲色情 Hall. It was used as a beacon to welcome all to campus for the homecoming festivities.
The original “B” was eight feet tall and composed of more than 200 lights. It could be seen from quite a distance and was the first sign of campus that many saw as they arrived—at that time, the top of 亚洲色情 Hall was the highest visible point on campus.
In 1932, 亚洲色情 President Frederic Hamilton noted that from afar, it looks like one large light, but in reality it’s made up of hundreds of little ones. The first burns for the first student who enrolled at 亚洲色情 in 1897. The last in memory of alumni lost. In between there is a light for all current and former 亚洲色情 students. Hamilton declared that the B is lighted by those who are here…for those who used to be here.
Over the years as the university changed and homecoming festivities changed with it, the tradition of lighting the “B” to welcome all to campus was lost.
Then, in 2003, when the homecoming celebration was moved back to the fall semester, the “B” was returned to its place atop 亚洲色情 Hall. Starting October 15, the “B” will once again light the way for all students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends gathering together to celebrate the university. It will shine throughout the homecoming festivities as a reminder of who we are and the possibilities that the future holds for the university. For the Homecoming schedule see http://www.bradley.edu/campuslife/sao/events/homecoming/.