It was this success and grandeur that the original designers of the University of Northern Iowa Campanile were trying to recreate. They wanted a symbol "of such grace and beauty as will fittingly convey the sincere loyalty, the love and devotion of thousands of students and friends for the greatest State Teachers College of America."  After some reorganization of the proposed plans for the campanile, the alumni moved quickly to make their plans official. "On October 22, 1924, the State Board of Education was asked to accept a Memorial Campanile to be erected upon the campus of [the] Iowa State Teachers College." After this formal declaration, the Campanile project launched into full steam and money was quickly requested. Several methods were used to obtain money for the enormous project, including a friendly contest between a few summer school students. The total amount raised was $1,177.75, and the winning team collected a total of $288 in funds in return for a box of chocolates. The students' initiative brought the fundraising closer to its goal, leaving the Alumni Memorial Committee fund short by approximately $3,000. Several moneymaking slogans were considered. One, which was published in the alumni newsletter, rationalized that, "five dollars count; but ten dollars will buy twice as many bricks."

     The groundbreaking ceremony for the 100-foot bell tower took place on the present site on November 18, 1926, only six months after the alumni made their request to the State Board of Education.  Mrs. D. S. Wright, "a member of one of the early graduating classes, and an alumna" turned over the first clods of dirt, signifying the "acceptance of the plot by the Alumni." Following this significant event, the excitement surrounding the construction of this stately, $60,000 memorial built as students, faculty, and alumni prepared for the completion and dedication ceremony, which finally occurred on May 31, 1927.