LINN — State Tech is pleased to announce the arrival of its new custom, 35-foot electronic bell tower, which stands in the center of the newly renovated quad.

A campus bell tower was the original vision of former president, Dr. Donald Claycomb, so it’s fitting that the new bell tower should sit in front of the Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center.

“The relationship between bells and schools goes back at least to the era of the one-room schoolhouse, and continues today, signifying the beginning and the end of the school day,” said State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong. “The bell tower is in part a tip of the hat to being founded in 1961 as part of the local school district, and also to our founder, Thurman Willett, with the soon-to-be complete Willett Automation Center adjacent to the tower.”

Located between the Information Technology Center, Vehicle and Power Center, the brand-new Willett Automation Center, and the Building Technology Center, the four-legged structure has X-bracing, custom State Tech branding, and a 39-inch bell. The tower has a digital bell system with a library of more than 7,800 songs, multiple chime patterns, service anthems, and a powerful 15-inch touchscreen controller that can play everything from daily melodies to holiday playlists. It also serves as a campus safety tool, equipped with tri-tone and weather alerts, and live voice announcements.