Bell Tower and University Hall

President Henry J. Doermann, the father of the Bell Tower and the university's structural design, wanted all of the buildings on Bancroft Campus to be of a Collegiate Gothic architectural design to reflect the best design elements of the universities of Europe. President Doermann felt such architecture would provide an atmosphere to inspire students. He also dreamed of a central tower that could be spotted from anywhere on campus. President Doermann went against the objections of many Toledoans who felt the design was too extravagant and a waste of money. He knew how much this Tower would mean to the UT community; therefore, he set out and accomplished his lofty goal of building the beautiful high structure that resides at the north center part of Bancroft Campus. Residing on the top four corners of this architectural gem are four gargoyles which overlook and guard The University of Toledo. Completed in 1931, University Hall was the very first building built on Bancroft Campus. It took 400 men, eleven months to complete University Hall and the second building built on campus, the Field House. The Collegiate Gothic structural design for University Hall set the standard for all other buildings to be constructed on The University of Toledo's Bancroft Campus. The 156-step, 206-foot Bell Tower atop of University Hall serves as a constant reminder to all Rockets to accomplish their lofty goals and "reach for the sky," just as President Doermann did in his life. In order to honor President Doermann and his great dedication to the university, UT named the very theatre in University Hall in which he directed a theatrical production of Hamlet, Doermann theatre. In 1940, Grace A. Snyder donated funds to purchase chimes for the tower of University Hall in memory of her husband, Walter B. Snyder. "…We believe you are going to respond to the challenge of a beautiful environment, that the traditions which have grown up about this noble architecture will stimulate you to greater efforts in learning, and to finer decorum, and to a deeper resolve to use your education to further truth, justice and beauty. This is our faith in you." -UT President Henry J. Doermann, 1931, on the University's move the new campus on Bancroft Street