Bells on the Hill

After many quiet years, the sounds of carillon bells have returned to campus – ringing once again from the College Hall bell tower.

The University's last carillon – a musical instrument often housed in a church or municipal building bell tower – was donated in 1975 by alumna Dorothy Westcoat '33. Every day for decades the chimes sounded on the hour, with musical selections played at 8 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. Then, several years ago, it exceeded its useful life and went silent.

The new, electronic carillon operates on the previous schedule with the addition of the Alma Mater song at noon. The new carillon's selection of 11,000 songs far outpaces the 750 songs of its predecessor. It can also be used to alert students, faculty and staff in the event of an emergency.

"The carillon provides a nice continuity between current students and alumni. It's a common experience for generations of students," says Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Karen L. Pennington. "It adds a nice ring to the air. It also lets you know what time it is."

"Hearing the bells ring makes me feel like the quintessential college student on a typical American college campus, and I love it," said Julie Buonasora last semester, before graduating in December. n