Final(?) update: The original sign is still in it's ripped down state, however on probably the last day that I will ever go in I found that it has regrown a new body, a true miracle. I also managed to find out who was behind the whole ordeal and turns out it was exactly who I thought it was! I can happily say, case closed!! 
There is one loose end to be tied, the person who ripped down the sign has yet to be identified. The person who posted the signs has an idea of who it could be and I am still in contact with them after graduating. When the suspect is found I will either post an epilogue update or just comment it here.
holy crap
