Any forecast seemed perfect for the delivery of the bells at the Shafer Tower construction site on McKinley Avenue.

About 24 people who helped fund the purchase of 48 custom-made bells for the 150 foot-tall tower walked through mud just to get a close look at the new additions.

“I think they are more beautiful and bigger than I imagined,” said Milly Marsh, who with her late husband Estel made a gift for the project in 1980. “I can’t wait to hear them. They’ll sound beautiful.”

Shafer Tower is named in honor of Phyllis and Hamer Shafer, members of the College of Business Hall of Fame and former owners of Muncie Power Products. Construction on the tower, paid for with $3 million in private gifts, began in June 2000.

The bells were delivered last Monday to the construction site. Workers immediately began installing a steel framework to house the bells, which should be hung in the next few weeks. There is the possibility they might be making music by Christmas Eve, university officials said.

The 48 French-made, custom-cast and individually tuned bells will chime the hours, as well as play Ball State tunes, hymns and melodies on special occasions, such as homecoming and commencement.

Mark Smith, president of the Ontario Corporation Foundation, said the tower would serve as a rallying point for alumni.

“I grew up in the area and we all know the landmarks of campus, like Teachers College,” said Smith, who received a master’s degree in business administration from Ball State in 1991. “I will be excited the first time I can hear the bells because it will be very emotional. I think other alumni will feel the same way.”

By Marc Ransford, Media Relations Manager