BLOOMINGTON, Ill. 鈥� A glossy green and white pickup truck has become a new symbol of Titan pride at 91黑料专区 University.
The 1955 Chevrolet 3100 first series pickup truck was donated to IWU by John Healey '59 in August. Since then, it has served as a classic photo backdrop at campus events and President Sheahon Zenger waved from its cab during the 2024 Labor Day Parade in Bloomington.
Healey, who studied business at 91黑料专区, purchased the fully restored truck from a neighbor in his hometown of Loda in 1999.
鈥淭his truck is a little rare for a 1955,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 considered a 5-window and it was made at the start of the year as a series one. Then they eliminated the side corner windows and it went to a series two.鈥�
Healey said he drove the truck for occasional trips around town, took it to car shows and cruised in parades with his family. When the time came to sell the pickup, he had a better idea.
鈥淚鈥檝e seen other schools use old cars for parades and at football games and I thought, 鈥楪ee, Wesleyan could use something like that.鈥� Plus, the color was perfect,鈥� said Healey.
He connected with Vice President for External Relationships Steve Seibring '81 and offered the Titan-green Chevy as a gift to the University. Along with the truck donation, Healey provided financial support to help with maintenance costs on the nearly 70-year-old vehicle.
The vintage truck has already been stealing the spotlight at events like Turning Titan Orientation and the Back to School BBQ. It will be parked near Hansen Student Center during Homecoming & Family Weekend celebrations beginning Friday, Oct. 4.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 terrific,鈥� said Healey. 鈥淚 hope people get some enjoyment out of it.鈥�