It began as just an idea: a center on campus dedicated to black male students, a center that Todd Bell was passionate about creating.
“It was something Todd was interested in because it was a project to reach out to young men,” said Daphne Bell, wife of the late Todd Bell.
That idea became a reality.
Three years ago, the African American Male Resource Center opened in Mount Hall on West campus.
The center moved to Brown Hall, a more central location, in September 2005.
Todd Bell, however, would never see that move. In March 2005, he died of a heart attack at the age of 47.
In order to honor his memory, the center was renamed the Todd Anthony Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male.
The unveiling took place on March 22 in Brown Hall. There were more than 100 people in attendance, said Eric Troy, program manager for the Bell Resource Center.
Senator Ray Miller was the keynote speaker for the event. Students and members of Todd Bell’s family attended as well.
“To have this center named after my husband really confirmed to me that he was highly respected in a way that even he didn’t know,” Bell said.
Birhan Ayele, a senior in economics, was an usher at the dedication.
Ayele said he stumbled upon the center out of the blue.
“I just walked in and saw ‘African-American’ and walked in to see what it was like,” Ayele said.
He used the center for help with his resume and finding an internship, and has continued to visit almost every week, he said.
“It’s just so much fun. It’s enjoyable to talk to them. I love going up there. There’s just great people to help you with whatever you need,” Ayele said.
Todd Bell’s colleagues named the center after him to carry on his legacy. However, Daphne Bell said he would not have wanted the center to be named after him.
He did not care about names or titles, Bell said.
“He was private but very powerful. He had such an impact on young men. Not even telling them who he was,” she said. “He never talked about how he broke Jesse Owens’ record. They just knew Todd as ‘Mr. Bell.'”
His career at Ohio State began in the classroom and continued on the football field. He played defensive back for the Buckeyes for four years.
He had many athletic accomplishments outside Ohio Stadium. A Middletown, Ohio native, Todd Bell broke Jesse Owens’ long jump record before graduating from high school.
After college he played for the Chicago Bears, and later for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Todd Bell returned to OSU after his retirement from professional football.
It was then that Dr. Mac Stewart approached Todd Bell with the idea of a center.
“It wasn’t just a business suggestion. Todd had a passion for it,” Bell said.
Troy said The Bell Resource Center works to advance students in four areas: academic achievement, personal, professional and leadership development.
“One thing we stress is being a leader,” Troy said. “Don’t look at yourself as a minority on campus, but as a leader.”
Students can go to the center for anything from advice on resume building to help with math classes.
In the fall the center has an early arrival program. The goal of the program is to assist students in making the transition from high school to college. Last year about 70 students participated in the two-and-a-half day orientation, Troy said.
The orientation included a football tailgating party with Archie Griffin.
The center also recognizes students who have a 3.0 and above grade point average, and is planning an open house for late April, Troy said.
Todd Bell’s jersey hangs inside the office. He was number 25. His name is written in large gold letters outside the door.
And, his legacy lives on thanks to friends and family who rededicated the center in his name.
