In addition, there were tours of renovated Clement Hall and receptions honoring Dr. Sal Rinella.

Rinella, in one of his last acts as outgoing president, presided over the marker-dedication ceremony. He talked about coming to the Austin Peay campus just minutes after the F4 tornado devastated the area. Rinella said he would "never forget coming here in darkness, bumping into trees and roots...I'll never forget the awe I had that Sunday...when faculty and staff first returned to the campus after the tornado."

Talking about the devastation, not only to the buildings, but also to the birds, trees and bushes, he said, "It was a miracle no one was injured...God was looking over us at that moment...What did we do? We began together as a faculty, staff, students, the community...Human spirit--the power of your spirit was stronger than the power of the tornado."

Recapping the damage, Rinella said, "Twenty-two out of 36 buildings were damaged, four had to be closed. We worked together to open the campus in two days...and bring students back to classes in six days.

"This is a celebration of your spirit."

Dr. Sal Rinella, above, speaks to members of the University community prior to the unveiling of a tornado marker in the bowl area near Harned Hall.

After his remarks, the marker was unveiled. It has this inscription: This monument is dedicated to the many individuals who assisted Austin Peay State University in our recovery from the January 22,1999 tornado which devastated our campus and the Clarksville-Montgomery County community.

After that celebration, people joined for tours of the renovated Clement Building, which opened for classes this semester after being closed because of tornado damage. As was evident during the tour, several renovations were made possible after the tornado. The building was scheduled for renovation, but when it had to close because of tornado damage, that renovation, which cost approximately $4 million, was moved forward.

One of the building's main features is the renovated lobby. Previously, the lobby was dark and drab. The architect came up with the idea of a grand staircase naturally lighted by the cupola. To bring natural light to the lobby, louvers in the cupola were replaced with windows. In addition, lights also were placed to further illuminate the lobby.

Events continued with two events honoring Rinella for his five-year service to the University. That afternoon faculty, staff and students honored Rinella with several presentations in the Woodward Library. Later that day, community members turned out at Emerald Hill to honor Rinella. He received commendations, gifts and plaques from the Chamber of Commerce, the APSU National Alumni Association, the Tennessee Board of Regents and others.