Tower Glow tradition welcomes back students

Binghamton University just got brighter with the return of students — and the return of Tower Glow festivities. The Spine came to life on the evening of Aug. 17, with around 700 new and returning students, faculty, and staff there to watch the lights on the Library Tower shift from white to green, signifying the return of the student body and the start of a new academic year.

Tower Glow originated on campus in 2022, but weather and technological issues have prevented the event from taking place as planned. In past years, the green lights came on automatically at dusk, but this year Campus Activities partnered with Communications and Marketing and Facilities Management to up the drama and "flip the switch" from white to green as the crowd watched. Students gathered in the early evening to enjoy snacks, explore the newly completed renovations to the Spine, play lawn games, and take photos in the Tower Glow photo booth while they waited for the main event. Another big draw was the opportunity to high five Bing, the binturong statue, for good luck.

“Tower Glow event brings these two traditions together while also providing food, music, games, and crafts to create an entire experience for students who attend,” said Jennifer Keegin, director of campus activities.

At dusk, Tower Glow attendees settled into their viewing spots, and the countdown began as the clock struck 9:15 p.m. The crowd chanted in unison and at “one,” Keegin shouted the magic words: "Turn the tower green!" Students remained congregated on and around the Spine to enjoy quiet conversations amid the ambiance of the Harpur Jazz Ensemble and the glow from the tower and light-up bracelets handed out during check-in. 

In the future, the lights on the Library Tower will continue to shift, glowing white when students are not on campus, such as spring and summer breaks, and green when campus is full of students and excitement. Keegin said she is optimistic that this tradition is here to stay. 

“The turnout was great,” she said, "so we know moving forward that students will look forward to this event every year!"