2007 Topping Off Ceremony (view as slideshow)
A topping off ceremony is a tradition within the construction industry that marks the moment when the highest structural point in the building construction has been attained. The last steel beam is signed and hoisted into place. An evergreen tree is then placed on the beam to symbolize that the building project has proceeded well, without injury, and to serve as a good luck charm for the occupants of the building. Alumni and friends gathered together to be part of this wonderful tradition prior to the WVU-Louisville game in November.
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The last structural beam is lifted to the top of the new alumni center. |
The topping off marks a major milestone in the completion of the new alumni center. |
The beam is almost in place. As part of the tradition, an evergreen is placed on the beam where it will remain until work on the project is complete. The evergreen will then be planted near the building. |
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Signed, sealed and ready to go. The beam was signed by more than 100 workers, alumni and friends of WVU. |
Charles & Laurie Erickson have been actively involved in the building campaign and have given very generously of their time and financial support. Although they were unable to attend the event, the Alumni Association signed the beam on their behalf. |
David Hendrickson and Glenn Adrian, past presidents of the WVU Alumni Association Board of Directors, enjoy the ceremony. |
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Dave Hendrickson smiles for the camera before signing his name. |
Doug Van Scoy, chair of the WVU Alumni Association Board of Directors, chats with Dottie Dotson of the WVU Foundation. |
After getting the beam in place, the guys are ready to call it a day. |
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Hank Barnette places his signature on the beam before it is hoisted into place. |
Joann Barnette takes the opportunity to be part of the topping off tradition by signing her name to the last beam. |
Dr. Joy Saab signs her name to the beam. |
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Lyn Dotson of the WVU Foundation places his signature on the last structural beam. |
Staff from the WVU Alumni Association, including Mary Kinsley, took a moment to be part of the topping off tradition. |
Jimmy McCartney (left) chats with David Hamstead, chair of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors, and President MikeGarrison before the topping off ceremony. |
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March-Westin hung paper bells to signify where the four bells will be placed as part of the new center. |
Paul Farmer signs on behalf of the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust which has generously pledged their support for the new center. |
Phil Weser, president of March-Westin, addresses guests at the ceremony. |
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A gift from Owen & Phyllis Osenton will bring "beautiful music" to the new alumni center. Four, bronze cast bells will be placed in the tower of the new center. An electronic carilon system will be programmed to play such songs as Country Roads, the Alma Mater and other wonderful songs. |
Guests take a moment to sign the beam before it is hoisted into place. |
Workers on the project had an opportunity to sign the beam signifying all of their hard work on the project. |
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WVU Alumni Association President & CEO Steve Douglas thanked those in attendance for their support of the new alumni center. |
Steve Goodwin, chair of the Board of Governors, participated in the ceremony. |
WVU Foundation President Wayne King was on hand to be part of the event. |
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Construction workers from March-Westin have been working hard to complete the structural phase of the new alumni center. The guys took a moment to sign the last beam before it was hoisted to the top of the building. |
Workers from the project signed the last "I-beam" during the topping off ceremony. |