Deese, who earned his Bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T in 1977, is a retired executive vice president and president of Merck Manufacturing Division, where he oversaw a network of more than 55 manufacturing and distribution sites for Merck's global operations.

[3] On March 24 2017, the tower was dedicated in a ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the university's quasquicentennial celebration.

Among the list of dignitaries in attendance were Mr. & Mrs. Deese, Chancellor Harold L. Martin, and University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings.

The structure incorporates the use of both traditional brick masonry, and modern touches such as translucent glass.

The tower also contains an amplified electronically simulated carillon system and the LED lighting system was constructed uses a color lighting to illuminate the glass portion of the tower in either blue; gold or white, the official colors of the university.