A photo taken in the summer of 1906 shows the Campanile seven years after it was built. Courtesy of Iowa State University Special Collections and University Archives.
The campanile and Stanton Memorial Carillon is one of Iowa State University's most prominent landmarks and potent symbols, found in both the geographic center of campus and in the memories of those who have called it their home.
"To many of us, the campanile is really the heart of Iowa State, not just based on where it’s located but for how it makes us feel," said Michael Golemo, University Professor of music and director of bands.
The bells inside the top of the 110-foot tower have been ringing their way into Iowa Staters' hearts for 125 years, an enduring tradition the university will honor in a free public event Sunday, Sept. 15. The 2 p.m. celebration north of the campanile will feature stories about its inspiration and legacy, remarks from President Wendy Wintersteen and numerous musical performances. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online and to bring chairs and blankets, as seating will be limited. A reception will follow in the Memorial Union Campanile Room.
Cownie Professor of Music and university carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam will premiere two carillon compositions written by Iowa State students -- the winner and honorable mention selection in a campuswide contest. Tam also will collaborate to perform with the ISU Brass Ensemble and the Iowa State Singers, closing with the alma mater "Bells of Iowa State."
Golemo said in his 25 years at Iowa State, this will be only the third time he recalls university bands performing with the carillon. It's a challenging collaboration for reasons musical (rhythm and pitch are tricky) and logistical (the group and soloist can't see each other).
"We don't do it too often, but every time we have it's been exciting, fun and rewarding," he said.
Brad Dell, chair of the music and theatre department, will intersperse the music with stories about the campanile. He'll talk about the gift of love that brought the first 10 of the Stanton Memorial Carillon's 50 bells to campus. He'll also explore the role the bell tower plays in Iowa State's folklore and daily life.
"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," Dell said. "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."
Beyond its timekeeping chimes every 15 minutes, the carillon's bells are heard during the 20-minute concerts Tam plays at midday on weekdays when school is in session. Iowa State has had a devoted carillonneur since 1931, and Tam is only the fifth person to hold the role in the 93 years since.
"It's a tradition we are proud of, and I will continue to keep the bells ringing for the next generation," Tam said.
Not only are the bells still ringing, but since 2019 a version of them can travel. In a multi-year, cross-disciplinary project, successive waves of students designed and constructed a 1:5 scale replica of the campanile with a playable 27-bell carillon. Though the campanile-carillon model is mobile, it’s often found in the Sukup atrium of the Biorenewables Complex. The Sept. 15 celebration will be held in the atrium if there's inclement weather.
"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."
