Bell Tower Plaza

Something exciting is happening on campus and you can be a part of it!

The new Bell Tower has arrived on the former Brengle Hall Site

Our Brick 2.0 Project is a labor of love. A unique gathering place, and a focal point on our campus. The Bell Tower was constructed in honor of Dr. Jerry W. Phillips for his 38 years of service to the university through the generosity of the Phillips family.

  • The tower will be approximately 47 ft. in height with four aluminum bell shells of different sizes.
  • The Schulmerich g5 Classic Plus plays chimes/ hour strikes, tolling bells, and over 7,800 carillon music selections. It also includes a full-size keyboard for live musical performances.
  • A Campus Alert System— For emergency situations or to broadcast audio during graduation, alumni and student events.

The grounds around the Bell Tower have plenty of room for creative expansion. We have BIG dreams for our “Brickyard.” Come make your mark on campus, and be a part of this exciting project.

bell tower
bell tower illustration

OCU BELL TOWER IN HONOR OF DR. JERRY W. PHILLIPS

Dr. Jerry W. Phillips graduated from Oakland City University in 1959. In 1970 he earned his doctorate in math education from Indiana University. He joined the faculty of Oakland City University as a mathematics professor in 1963 and taught here until his retirement in 2001.

Dr. Phillips was an exceptional math professor and earned many awards in his long career. He was also very active in his community. He was member of the Kiwanis Club and a deacon of the First General Baptist Church of Oakland City, where he taught various Sunday school classes. After his retirement he served on the Board of Gibson County Community Foundation and served as a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels.

After his passing in 2006, family and friends chose to honor him through a fund for a clock and bell tower on the site of Brengle Hall, where Jerry spent so many hours teaching. We are so excited to see this become a reality, anticipated by graduation 2021.

Since Jerry was loved and respected by so many, a memorial brick plaza was included with the design of the tower. It is a 20’x20’ design paved with 4”x8” and 8”x8” red engraved bricks. We are offering this special opportunity for you to honor anyone of your choice with an engraved brick.

Use the order form on the back and mail it in, or give at: https://www.oak.edu/give/ Do not miss this opportunity to honor someone in this special way.

Your Custom Brick

We offer custom brick engraving so you can “make your mark” on campus. With unique logos you can display your passions for your Alma Mater, honor a clergy member, favorite professor, student or memorialize a loved one in our beautiful Bell Tower “Brickyard.” This is a wonderful way to support OCU and pay tribute to Dr. Jerry Phillips for his many years of service

Suggestions for engraving:

  • YOUR NAME AND GRAD YEAR
    (sport or interest)
  • YOUR STUDENT’S NAME AND GRAD YEAR
    (sport, SGA, band, major, degree, etc.)
  • HONOR A FAVORITE PROFESSOR
  • YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIEND/ROOMMATE
  • IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE
  • THE LIST GOES ON

Brick Logo Options

logo options
  • OCC Logo
  • Simple Cross
  • Heart

*images coming soon

Prices going up July 1st. Order your brick today!

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT US AT [email protected] OR 812-749-1228