Dedication of Herman B Wells Plaza, unveiling of sculpture Oct. 21 at IUB‘Back Where You Belong’ homecoming weekend Oct 19-21; Olympians to marshal 42nd annual paradeBy Jayne Spencer | |
 Harold “Tuck” Langland, professor of fine arts at IU South Bend, is shown putting finishing touches on the Herman B Wells“portrait sculpture” which will be dedicated Oct. 21 at IUB. |
When the bells in the tower of the
Indiana University Student Building are tolling at 9 a.m. Saturday,
Oct. 21, those within earshot will hear the alma mater and The
Chimes of Indiana, not just because it’s homecoming at IUB necessarily,
but because a ceremony honoring the memory of a university legend
is taking place near the Old Crescent. The Herman B Wells Plaza will be dedicated, and a sculpture commissioned last year in Wells’ honor will be unveiled at a half-hour ceremony, beginning at 9 a.m., rain or shine. Seating will be limited. Wells, who served as IU’s president from 1938 to 1962 , died March 18 at the age of 97 and held the honorary title of university chancellor. “I think Chancellor Wells would approve,” said Robin Roy Gress, secretary of the Trustees of IU and director of university ceremonies. “I’m told that he loved the sound of the bells and that homecoming weekend was one of his favorite times.” Harold “Tuck” Langland, professor of fine arts at IU South Bend, created the “portrait sculpture” of Wells. Langland’s sculpture, which is slightly larger than life at 110 percent, depicts Wells seated on a bench. The design also includes three matching bronze benches bearing the IU logo on which passersby may sit and enjoy the serenity of the campus’ woodland area. Langland spoke with Wells last year and with many of the chancellor’s old friends. He also viewed hundreds of photographs and spoke with Wells’ former colleagues to assure that the pose was characteristic of the man during his time as president. The sculpture portrays Wells in his prime, holding onto his favorite soft hat, his tie loosened for comfort and his suit jacket open. The cuff links bearing his initials were cast from a pair that Wells owned. Presiding at the dedication will be IU President Myles Brand. The ceremony will end at 9:30 a.m. when musician John Simpson plays some of Wells’ favorite hymns on the university bells. |
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Publication date: October 13, 2000
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