Lighting of the B ceremony
The ceremonial lighting of the ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ โBโ is a homecoming tradition.
09/08/2017 9:15 AM
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The ceremonial lighting of the ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ “B” is a homecoming tradition that began in 1928. The “B” was placed on what was then called the ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ Polytechnic Institute Tower – or as we know it, the top of ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ Hall. It was used as a beacon to welcome all to campus for the homecoming festivities.
The original “B” was eight feet tall and composed of more than 200 lights. It could be seen from quite a distance and was the first sign of campus that many saw as they arrived—at that time, the top of ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ Hall was the highest visible point on campus.
In 1932, ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ President Frederic Hamilton noted that from afar, it looks like one large light, but in reality it’s made up of hundreds of little ones. The first burns for the first student who enrolled at ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ in 1897. The last in memory of alumni lost. In between there is a light for all current and former ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ students. Hamilton declared that the B is lighted by those who are here…for those who used to be here.
Over the years as the university changed and homecoming festivities changed with it, the tradition of lighting the “B” to welcome all to campus was lost.
Then, in 2003, when the homecoming celebration was moved back to the fall semester, the “B” was returned to its place atop ย้ถนสำฦตนูอ๘ Hall. Starting September 12, the “B” will once again light the way for all students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends gathering together to celebrate the university. It will shine throughout the homecoming festivities as a reminder of who we are and the possibilities that the future holds for the university. For the Homecoming schedule see