The class of 1948 gifted Northwest with a memorial bronze bell in honor of all the World War II soldiers who fought and died during World War II, with particular emphasis on those fallen soldiers who attended Northwest or who once lived in Northwest Missouri. Over the years, the bronze bell has heralded Northwest achievements and celebrations and mournfully chimed to honor the passing of various local, state and national people. The bronze bell is located near the majestic Bell Tower and is in direct line of sight of the Administration Building. The first president to ring the bell was John William Jones, who was president of Northwest from 1945 to 1964.