Buies Creek, N.C.—Known to her friends and family as a gracious southern lady with a generous spirit and compassion for others, the late Elizabeth Fisher Wells was honored Friday, Nov. 12, when Campbell University dedicated its new 531 square-foot fountain in her memory. The Elizabeth F. Wells Fountain is the centerpiece of Campbell’s easternmost entrance at Fellowship Commons in front of the Carrie Rich Memorial building.
Dr. Andrew Wakefield, dean of the Campbell Divinity School, described the fountain as a place where life will thrive.
“Water is a symbol of life and refreshment,” said Wakefield. “This is a celebration of God’s blessing on this place. May this place be a source of refreshment for the soul.”
Elizabeth Fisher Wells was the wife of Harold Wells, former chairman of the Campbell University Board of Trustees. Born in Whiteville, N.C., Mrs. Wells grew up on the family farm in Columbus County with her four siblings where she learned the importance of God and family at an early age, Harold Wells stated.
“Love flowed out of her life every day and this fountain is a tribute to her cheerful life,” Wells said. “Betty loved Campbell, but she thought this great campus could use some improvement. That’s why the Wells family contributed to campus development. May this fountain be a physical reminder for students to drink from the fountain of knowledge at Campbell University.”
The 531 square-foot fountain is constructed of precast concrete and holds 6,220 gallons of water. Its unusual water patterns are accomplished by pumping 747 gallons of water per minute through forty nozzles around the circumference of the fountain. The nozzle at the fountain’s center sprays to a height of over 12 feet. Four mid-size nozzles in the central fountain are set to appear as if they are spraying water from the outside perimeter Lighted internally, the fountain’s columns of water appear like spires of light at night.
Highlights of the dedication ceremony included testimonies by Student Government Association Executive President Henry “Hank” Raper and Dr. Michael Adams, professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Campbell’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Words of appreciation for the fountain’s aesthetic beauty and significance were delivered by Bob Barker, chairman of the board of trustees, and reflections on the Wells family and what they have meant to Campbell were presented by President Jerry M. Wallace. Music by the Campbell Voices under the direction of Dr. Phil Morrow, associate professor of Church Music for the College of Arts and Sciences, was also featured in the dedication ceremony.
Photo Copy: The Wells family poses in front of the Elizabeth F. Wells Fountain at Campbell University.