On Sunday, Troy University unveiled its newest addition to campus: a 60-foot diameter, Power T logo created with a durable color pavement marking compound at the intersection of George Wallace Drive and University Avenue that welcomes visitors and students alike to Trojan territory.

“Thanks to a group of inspired students, generous supporters and dedicated leaders, including our Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, and City of Troy Mayor Jason Reeves, this Power T logo boldly declares you are entering the home of the Trojans,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Economic Development Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Givhan. “We’re delighted we were able to raise the funds and get the Power T in place before homecoming.”

The idea for the campus improvement came just over a year ago from 2021 communications studies graduate Claudia Harris, whose family has deep roots in Troy and with the University. After seeing murals at her friends’ universities across the state, Harris said she thought TROY needed the same.

“I thought, ‘You know, this would be so cool for TROY to do something similar and do it near Tailgate Terrace.’ That’s where all the fans gather, and that’s where the football team gets off and does the Trojan Walk,” she said. “We truly pride ourselves on being a school that has lots of Trojan spirit and lots of Trojan pride, so I just thought what better way to implement that than doing something like this?”

Harris took her idea to Maj. Gen. Givhan, Mayor Reeves and finally to Chancellor Hawkins where she received resounding approval from all.

The next step—securing funding.

Nicklaus Chrysson, the 2020-2021 Student Government Association Senator and Chair of the Special Projects Committee, was assigned the task of fundraising. After working to gather quotes on how much the project would cost, he worked with the Office of Development to secure donations from the City of Troy, Troy University SGA, TROY fraternities and sororities, the Athletic Department and Alumni Affairs as well as private individuals. All donations went to a special fund created in the Troy University Foundation for the project.

The intersection was closed all day Saturday and Sunday morning for installation of the logo. 

“We owe a special debt of thanks to the Troy City Police and the Troy University Police for securing the intersection and ensuring the safety of all involved,” Givhan said.  “They were the ultimate professionals, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”