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Campus Life

Seniors climb the Bell Tower

One month from Commencement, soon-to-be grads joined a long-standing tradition of scaling the historic landmark.

Photos by Johnny Andrews, University Communications and Marketing, Thursday, April 9th, 2026
A Carolina senior, Dylan Hammonds, holding up a
Dylan Hammonds and other members of the Class of 2026 checked off the senior tradition of climbing the Bell Tower on April 8, 2026. (Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)

One month from now they’ll take a giant step forward when they become UNC-Chapel Hill graduates. But on April 8 Carolina seniors went up 128 steps as they participated in the annual tradition of climbing the Bell Tower. The event, sponsored by Carolina Alumni, had additional activities, including  food trucks, music and games, giveaways — and even a Rameses Jr. appearance.

View photos from the climb and click to enlarge.

Line of Carolina seniors waiting for their turn to climb the Bell Tower.

Carolina seniors going up the spiral staircase of the Bell Tower.

A Carolina senior posing for a photo with mascot Rameses Jr. on the front steps of the Bell Tower. Carolina Blue and white balloons and signage reading "Grad 2026" are seen in the background.

Overhead photo of a Carolina senior going up the spiral staircase of the Bell Tower.

Two Carolina seniors taking a selfie inside the Bell Tower.

Two Carolina seniors poking their heads out of open windows of the Bell Tower.

A Carolina senior looking outside a window of the Bell Tower.

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