Bell is best remembered for his exemplification of the qualities of learning and friendship.  He instilled an atmosphere of friendship in the Fraternity and had, according to Runkle, "an expression on his face that made one instinctively reach for his hand.  He was one of the kindly and lovable sort, and came into the Sigma Chi movement naturally.  He was good hearted, believed in securing the good things of life and immediately dividing the same with his companions.  He was as full of enthusiasm as a crusader.  Naturally he was a leader and teacher of men.  he was ambitious, but in no way disposed to push his aspirations at the expense of his fellows.  He and Cooper, in thought and sympathy and in the deep foundations of their being were much the same sort of men, though in outward expression of the inward character they differed widely."