Chadbourn Bell finds new home at recently constructed brick pavilion on campus

Born from a special projects idea to celebrate Southeastern Community College’s 60th anniversary, the SCC Foundation spearheaded the Raise the Bell campaign to sell engraved bricks that would provide the foundation for the Chadbourn Bell’s new home. Housed in the center of campus for 45 years, the Chadbourn Bell found its new resting spot at the top of a newly constructed brick pavilion. 

SCC President Dr. Chris English explained that the bell’s former structure had weathered over its almost half-century tenure and needed to be demolished. He said that it did its job of holding one of SCC’s most prized possessions and that it was time for an upgrade.  

“So, what better way to support construction of a new structure than the Raise the Bell campaign to lift it?” English said. “That’s what we do every day. We lift people up, and hopefully that bell will continue to be a symbol of the college.” 

English envisions the Chadbourn Bell Pavilion as an event venue space for concerts, ceremonies or even as an outdoor classroom space. He was “very pleased” with the pavilion’s turnout and said it looked better than the pre-construction rendered drawings. 

SCC Foundation Executive Director Terrie Priest said that with the college’s 60th anniversary in mind and leaving a lasting impact, an engraved brick fundraiser was the best route for people to “leave their mark” on the college. She explained that with the final structure completed; new sponsored benches will be installed, and the pavilion’s brick columns will have sponsorship opportunities.  

The pavilion construction was contracted through ArtWork Builders, and the landscaping was contracted through Flora Landscapes. The Verdin Company uninstalled the bell from the original structure and reinstalled it at the new pavilion. The project was completed at an estimated cost of $350,000. 

“I think it looks great, and we’ve had great response from everyone on campus and community,” Priest said. “It really has become a showcase centerpiece of campus, and it’s technically big enough to have some sort of event. I could see someone getting married under that thing.” 

Single bricks are $100 each, and the larger 8×8 bricks are $250. Priest said that engraved bricks are a great way to honor in memory of someone. She has enjoyed seeing people find their brick and their reaction under the pavilion.  

“That bell symbolizes the history of the college, and it’s in our logo,” Priest said. “It represents the starting point of the college, and it has evolved with hanging high and overlooking the campus.” 

SCC Foundation Board Chair Nathan Moore said the Chadbourn Bell Pavilion embraces the legacy of what a community college is all about. He said that seeing the pavilion in person would make someone want to “be a part of something much bigger.” 

“But then it also shares the future of where we’re going because now, we have this beautiful pavilion that the entire county can use,” Moore said. “Holding the power of the past and the future, people can literally cement their legacy on the college and community with an engraved brick.” 

SCC will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Chadbourn Bell Pavilion on June 26 at 5 p.m. Priest encourages everyone to attend, take a tour of the new structure and enjoy SummerFest happening on the front lawn of A-building right after the ceremony.