More than 100 people from across the United States came to the Jonesboro campus of Arkansas State University to witness the formal dedication of the 23-bell carillon in the Dean B. Ellis Library on November 8, 2003.
ASU President Dr. Les Wyatt welcomed friends and alumni to the ceremony. Dr. Eugene Smith, president emeritus of ASU, told the group about the history of the bell carillon. Both men applauded the private support that made the carillon possible.
Mrs. Ellen Philpot, ASU instructor in music and carillonneur, played several selections for the presentation, including the ASU Alma Mater by Dr. H.C. Manor; Celebratory Fanfare for Carillon by Dr. Tom O'Connor, which was specially composed for the dedication event; Pizzicati for 23 bells by Emile Constant Verrees; Duke Street (Jesus Shall Reign) by John Hatton; Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven, arrangement by Beverly Buchanan; and the Arkansas State University Loyalty Song by George L. "Pop" Hodge, arranged for the carillon by Ellen Philpot.
Following the concert, Dr. Wyatt and Dr. Smith unveiled a plaque, listing honorees and memoriams for each of the bells, that will be permanently displayed in the lobby of the Dean B. Ellis Library
Click on any of the photos to see an enlarged image.
To read the story of the carillon, please click here.