Iowa State campanile celebrates 125 years

AMES, Iowa — The bells of the Iowa State University campanile have been singing their song for 125 years, on Sunday, people gathered to celebrate the beloved landmark.

At 2 p.m. the public gathered north of the campanile to celebrate the history of the landmark. Wendy Wintersteen, president of Iowa State University, remarked on the beloved tower, numerous musical performances were given, and several tunes were showcased by the campanile. A reception was held in the Memorial Union following the event.

Two carillon compositions, written by ISU students, were performed by Cownie professor of music and university carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam. The ISU Brass Ensemble, Iowa State Singers, and Tam closed the performance with the alma mater “Bells of Iowa State”.

The campanile is part of every Iowa State student experience. It acts as a timekeeper, ringing chimes every 15 minutes throughout the school day. The campanile also comes alive with a 20-minute concert Tam performs midday while school is in session. This tradition has been going since 1931 when devoted carillonneurs began the regular performances, Tam is the fifth person over the past 93 years to hold the role.

“It is probably the most photographed spot at graduations, and it’s also a special place when people come to visit for the first time. It really marks a student’s entire journey here,” said Brad Dell, chair of the music and theatre department. “I hear that all the time from alums. They look back at the Campanile with such fondness because of the moments they experienced in its shadow and from hearing it every day throughout their time at Iowa State.”

The campanile is such an Iowa State icon, a miniature one was unveiled in 2019. Waves of students with various skill sets worked on the project over several years. A 1:5 scale replica with a 27-bell carillon now travels and can bring its tune to others. When not traveling the model can be found at the Sukup Atrium of the Biorenewable Complex.

“The model campanile-carillon is a shining, shimmering example of innovating at Iowa State and the collaborative spirit that’s at the heart of this university,” Dell said. “It’s an incredible symbol of who we are and proof that this story is far from over.”

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