The Praying Hands Memorial was a gift to the University from the Class of 1948 to honor the 65 students killed in action during World War II. Each of the broken walls surrounding the sculpture represent students who gave their lives in each of the United States' wars.
On Veterans Day, the University's Army and Air Force ROTC cadets hold a 24-hour vigil at the memorial.
The area around the Praying Hands memorial is currently being re-landscaped.