Alumni Association Clock Tower to be Dedicated During Celebration
Apr-21-2005 
The new clock tower at Eastern Illinois University, a gift from the Alumni Association in celebration of its centennial, will be dedicated Saturday, April 30, during Celebration: A Festival of the Arts.
The ceremony is to begin at 1:30 p.m. in the south lawn of Booth Library, where the clock tower was recently constructed.
While on campus, those who attend the dedication will be able to take advantage of the many activities scheduled for Celebration, which will be held on the Library Quad on April 29-30 and May 1. The festival offers live music, artwork, children’s activities and a variety of food booths.
The 30-foot-tall clock tower, made of gray steel, has clock faces on each of the four sides, with the words “Alumni Centennial Tower 2005.” A large bell hangs in the center of the tower, and an electronic carillon has the ability to play more than 200 songs, including EIU’s alma mater.
The Alumni Association, which acts as a liaison between the university community and the alumni population, was formed a century ago during a meeting in President Livingston C. Lord’s home.
“When the alumni board began discussing possible gifts to the university for our centennial, I never dreamed we would make such a dramatic contribution to campus,” said Victoria Markley ‘99, secretary-treasurer of the Alumni Association. “I can certainly see the clock tower being a second symbol for our campus and a cornerstone to many future traditions.”
The gift of the clock tower, purchased with private funds, is one way for the Alumni Association to demonstrate its commitment to giving back to the university, said Steve Rich, executive director.
“I want to personally thank the Alumni Association for the gift of the clock tower,” EIU President Lou Hencken said, noting that it is the latest in a long line of contributions the association has made to campus, including assistance with renovations to the O’Brien Stadium and the Doudna Fine Arts Center. “My sincere appreciation goes to the members of the Alumni Association, both past and present, for all that they have done for Eastern Illinois University.”
The Alumni Association also benefits the university by providing financial support to students, including the Livingston C. Lord Scholarship, the university’s highest scholastic honor; and the relatively new Legacy Scholarship, a competitive award that goes to children and grandchildren of alumni. The association supports the campus with contributions to academics, the arts and athletics. In addition, it honors graduates with alumni awards each year.
