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New bear statue joins the quad

The next time you visit ӣ������’s Hickory campus, you’ll be greeted by a towering new addition: a 10-foot bear statue standing proudly at the entrance to the quad. Installed over the summer, this latest campus fixture was formally unveiled this fall as the class of 1974’s 50th reunion gift and has already become a popular photo spot for students, alumni and campus visitors. 

The new bear replaces the original wooden bear statue that was carved from a tree and had deteriorated over time, posing a safety hazard. Made from more environmentally resilient materials, the new statue is designed to endure for many years to come.

“The Rev. Palmer D. Clemmer ’74 proposed the idea to raise funds for the bear, and the entire 50th reunion committee agreed it was a wonderful way to leave a lasting legacy,” said Mary Ellen Sherrill ’10, director of alumni and donor engagement. “They’ve watched this project evolve over the reunion planning process — from the new bear to the landscaping and painting. It was exciting to show them the finished product during their reunion weekend in October!”

Thanks to generous contributions from the class of 1974, the group has raised almost half of their $30,000 goal for the bear. Class gifts for the bear will be accepted until May 31, 2025. 

“We’re extremely grateful to the class of 1974 for their desire to leave a lasting mark on campus in honor of their 50th reunion,” Sherrill said. “This bear welcomes everyone —alumni, students, and community members — making it a fitting tribute to our dedicated alumni.”