Boneyard Bell
History
Boneyard Bell at Dowdy-Ficklen stadium
The 2011-2012 Student Government Association Administration gifted a bell to the Athletic Department as a way to foster student engagement when entering Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Placed outside Gate #9, the student entrance, the SGA Boneyard Bell was accompanied by a plaque that symbolized the passion of East Carolina University (ECU) students as they entered the stadium. However, over the years, the bell’s significance gradually diminished. Recognizing the need for change, the 2024-2025 SGA Administration began collaborating with Facility Services and Student Life to create a new tradition that would reinvigorate the spirit of the SGA Boneyard Bell.
When East Carolina University opened the new Main Campus Student Center, it quickly became a bustling hub, with thousands of Pirates passing through its main entrance each day. It was clear that this high-traffic area would be the ideal location for the newly repurposed SGA Boneyard Bell.
As Pirate families have long enjoyed taking photos with the iconic ECU concrete letters, the Boneyard bell will provide a similarly significant photo opportunity—one that marks the beginning of students’ journey at East Carolina University. Incoming students will ring the bell upon their arrival to campus, while graduating students will do so as they bid farewell to their alma mater. The SGA Boneyard Bell will serve as a symbol of belonging for students from their very first day on campus, creating lasting memories they’ll carry with them long after graduation.
Boneyard Bell at new MCSC location
In addition to the bell’s relocation, a new plaque was installed at its base to commemorate the tradition and its significance to the East Carolina University community. The plaque serves as a reminder of the shared experiences and milestones of all Pirates who pass through campus, ensuring that the spirit of the SGA Boneyard Bell endures for generations to come.
The Student Government Association proudly unveiled this new tradition on Friday, November 22nd, following the Board of Trustees meeting. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the main entrance of the Main Campus Student Center, marking the beginning of a new chapter for East Carolina University.
#ECUBell
The Boneyard Bell
Throughout human history, the ringing of a
ship’s bell has signified change. This bell is
meant to be rung by arriving and graduating
students who are the verge of setting sail
into the next chapter of their lives.
Ring the bell to let others know that
your watch is ending.
They must stand watch in your stead.
Ring the bell to let others know
your watch is now beginning.
We are Pirates.
This ship, our ship, is our home.
“O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
This ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting.”
-Walt Whitman
Commissioned by the 2011-2012 SGA
Recommissioned by the 2024-2025 SGA