One of UNC’s most prestigious organizations celebrated its 30th birthday Friday in a style true to its name.
Members of the Order of the Bell Tower walked up the Bell Tower.
“It the first time I’ve ever been up there,” said Wendy Dupree, who graduated in 1993.
Current members — alumni and students — climbed the bell tower then gathered at the bottom for a cocktail.
The Order of Bell Tower was established in 1980 as an honorary service organization by the General Alumni Association.
Its aim is to focus on the connection of past, present and future students, said Chelsea Phillips, a senior and president of the organization.
Members accomplish this through service to the University, which has included recruiting high school students, writing publications for CTOPS and providing food for campus events.
Focus on connection is so strong, members of the group refer to themselves as “ambassadors.”
Phillips added that October is one of the organization’s busiest times because of University Day, where they will be providing doughnuts.
Diana Poulimenos, a junior, said one of the group’s largest initiatives is the publication of True Blue, the book of traditions given to all freshmen at CTOPS.
“The traditions we preserve are updated every year. We add new ones, like finish crosswords in the DTH, or go to Yo-Po”, she said.
“The tradition isn’t the rules — we just want students to enjoy all aspects of school life.”
The group has kept a stable and small size due to the selectivity of the application process. Around 20 out of 375 people are accepted each year, Poulimenos said.
Members said the group’s work gives them an opportunity to pay back the University.
“This is the way I give back to UNC,” said Susan Kornegay, a junior.
And student members said the future is bright.
“Even after another 30 years, it will be as successful as it is today,” said Joey Derusso, a sophomore.
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