Keep the Bells Ringing at Western

Keep the Bells Ringing

Since 1939, the WIU carillon has welcomed students, marked the hours and carried familiar traditions like “Western Loyalty” across campus.

Today, that tradition is at risk.

The aging digital carillon is operating at reduced capacity. Timing issues have disrupted its schedule, and at times, the bells fall silent. When they fail to chime, we all notice before we know why.

A familiar sound. A new challenge.

Larry Ferrere ’81 has committed a $25,000 challenge gift that will be unlocked when donors collectively raise $25,000. Together, these gifts will fund a modern, reliable carillon system and establish an endowed fund to help keep the bells ringing for generations.

The new system will preserve the familiar sound of Western while adding an expanded music library and opportunities for live performances.

Join the challenge today and help keep the bells ringing at Western.

Prefer to give by mail? Mail to:

WIU Foundation

Sherman Hall 303, 1 University Circle

Macomb, IL

61455-1390

ATTN: Carillon Project 2026

annualgiving@wiu.edu