On Tuesday, Nov. 27, Ball State will receive the 48 bells that will make up the carillon in Shafer Tower, under construction on the Ball State campus. The tower is being paid for with $3 million in private gifts.

Several of those who donated money to the project will be on hand Tuesday to have their pictures taken with "their" bells, including Phyllis and Hamer Shafer, for whom the tower is named, and Millie Marsh, who gave the original gift in the fundraising drive.

The Marsh gift dates back to October 1980, when Marsh and her husband Estel gave the university money to be spent on three separate projects. One of those projects called for bells and chimes to be added on campus. The money has been accumulating interest for the past 21 years, while the university decided how best to use it.

The F sharp three bell, which weighs 1,683 pounds will be named in the Marsh's honor to recognize their gift. Millie Marsh will be present at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the tower on McKinley Avenue, in the heart of the Ball State campus.

Phyllis and Hamer Shafer will be on hand to see their G bell at 10:15 a.m.

Estel Marsh graduated from Ball State Teacher's College in 1935. He served as chairman of the board for Marsh Supermarkets and also chaired Ball State's national annual fund drive in 1969.

Phyllis and Hamer Shafer are members of the College of Business Hall of Fame and the former owners of Muncie Power Products.

Phyllis Shafer, a 1947 graduate, served more than 25 years on the Ball State Foundation's Board of Directors, including 15 years as president.

The university bestowed an honorary doctor of laws degree upon Hamer Shafer for his outstanding leadership in business, civic, community and statewide affairs.

When completed, the carillon will have a four-octave range. The bells will be programmed to chime daily, but will also be played live on special occasions.

By Glenn Augustine, Associate Director