Terrence “T” Wall donated a giant “H” sculpture in order to rally campus spirit and provide “a selfie spot.”

“I noticed there really weren’t any selfie spots for visitors or students to remember Hillsdale by,” Wall said in an email. “Sure, the tower is on the logo, but you can’t stand up in the air in front of the tower!”

The sculpture, which stands more than eight feet high outside the George Roche Sports Complex, arrived in October. 

Wall is a real estate developer in Wisconsin who said he envisioned the “H” for Hillsdale as a way of both promoting awareness of the college and thanking College President Larry Arnn for his efforts in bringing K-12 schools to the Madison area.

Wall said he wanted the “H” to be distinctly Hillsdalian as well as spectacular. 

“I wanted it to be reflective and antirust so that it would mirror the conservative Christian values found in all of those who visit Hillsdale,” he said. “It had to be larger than life.” 

Wall also commissioned Hillsdale’s sister sculpture, an eight foot tall “W,” on the campus of University of Wisconsin–Madison. 

He said he was inspired by University of Wisconsin–Madison’s interaction with the “W” and thought Hillsdale could benefit similarly. 

Wall worked with Director of Advancement Russell Richardson, Chief Administrative Officer Richard Péwé, and Director of Athletics John Tharp to determine the location and concept for the sculpture. 

Tharp said he suggested placing it outside the sports complex, as students and visitors can view it from a variety of angles coming up and down Oak Street. He said he sees the sculpture both as a photo opportunity and as a conduit for Hillsdalian pride. 

“I hope that people can celebrate the school there,” Tharp said. 

Richardson said the piece aligns with a vision for campus improvement the college has been pursuing. 

“It is a unique gift,” Richardson said. “We are extremely grateful to Mr. Wall. It is an awesome thing, and we totally would not have been able to do something like that without his creativity and willingness to suggest the idea.”