West Virginia Universitys Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Lambda Omicron Chapter, will ring the bell from the armored cruiser USS West Virginia at noon Friday, Aug. 30, in remembrance of three students who died over the summer as a result of drowningRam Pallicala, Madhavi Alapati and Peter Nelson.

In a memorandum of understanding signed Friday (Aug. 23) by WVU officials and students and representatives of local veterans groups, the bell will ring three timesrather than 21during campus memorial services. The agreement, also expected to be signed by the Navy curator this week, allows for local veterans groups to continue working in conjunction with APO and WVU s Army and Air Force ROTC units to ring the bell at appropriate events such as Pearl Harbor Day and for WVU to also toll the bell for special memorial observances such as that held following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The memorandum of understanding follows extensive discussion among university officials and students, head curator of the NavalHistoricalCenter and local veterans regarding use of the bell, located on OglebayPlaza on WVU s Downtown Campus.

The bell was entrusted to WVU and APO s care by the Navy in 1967 on condition that it be displayed with dignity and maintained in good physical condition and that the University curator reports to the Navy on its condition and location annually. That agreement has not changed.

“APO, as the official designee caretaker of the bell, has maintained, polished and cleaned the bell for over 30 years,”said Anita Windon, APO bell ringing chairperson.”Under this agreement, we will continue to maintain and care for this valuable piece of history so that it is safe, secure and always in good condition.”

The original clapper is located in the archives of the WVU Libraries, Windon noted, and a replica clapper is used in campus ceremonies.

The bell, from the Armored Cruiser USS West Virginia, is located close to the mast of the Battleship USS West Virginia in front of Oglebay Hall. It was dedicated at this outdoor site on Dec. 7, 1967, Pearl Harbor Day.