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It is part of the human condition to wonder what our legacy will be. At noon on Tuesday, a group of Arkansas Tech University alumni had an opportunity to hear their legacy with their own ears.

Members of the Arkansas Tech Class of 1959 reunion committee stood facing the south side of the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center at midday Tuesday and heard the new electronic carillon bell system that they and their classmates made possible through their donations to the Arkansas Tech Foundation.

The smiles on their faces told the story as they heard the system toll for the first of what will be thousands of times.

The bells will chime at 15, 30 and 45 minutes after each hour, and they will ring at the top of each hour. The sound can be heard drifting over much of the university’s Russellville campus.

The system is currently set to play “Westminster Chimes,” but the computer-controlled system is capable of playing more than 2,000 different songs.

“This gift is a demonstration of the deep affection and loyalty that the members of the Class of 1959 have for Arkansas Tech University,” said Angela Bonds, director of alumni relations.

“Generations of current and future Tech students will have the common experience of hearing the chimes. We are very appreciative of the members of the Tech Class of 1959 for this thoughtful and meaningful gift to their alma mater.”

Carolyn Leek Allen, Lou Nell McCraw Davis, Bob Edwards, Patsy Joyce Motley Miller, Van Tyson and Mary Ann Marrs Wilkins represented the Class of 1959 at the initial chiming of the bells on Tuesday.

They were greeted and thanked for their gift to the university by Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown, Tech First Lady Jill Brown and Bonds.