Since its completion in 1937, the Memorial Tower has stood as a symbol of identity for North Carolina State University, a timekeeper for tradition and a perpetual memorial to NC State students who gave their lives in defense of their country. As well as a memorial, the tower is a rallying point for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the university community.

The Belltower is lighted for holidays that honor our veterans, such as Memorial Day and Veterans' Day, and to celebrate NC State's proudest occasions and achievements.

The tower will also be lighted for events celebrated by the campus community:

• Spring and Winter Commencements
• Honors Convocation
• Induction of a member of the NC State Faculty into the National Academy of Sciences or National Academy of Engineering
• The awarding of a Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, National Medal of Science, or National Medal of Technology.
• The awarding of a North Carolina Award or Governor’s Award for Excellence.
• The awarding of the O. Max Gardner Award.
• The awarding of the Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching.
• The selection for a Fulbright fellowship, or Rhodes, Goldwater, Truman, Madison, Marshall, or Mitchell scholarships.
• The inauguration of the President of the University of North Carolina or installation of the Chancellor of NC State.
• Football victories at home or away
• Men’s Atlantic Coast Conference basketball victories at home or away
• Women’s Atlantic Coast Conference basketball victories at home or away
• On nights on which an ACC or national championship is won in any team sport.
• Other celebrations at the discretion of the Chancellor.

Requests for additional events will be considered by the chancellor and the university's executive officers. Send requests via email to the secretary of the university/assistant to the chancellor, pj_teal@ncsu.edu.