University President E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., announced that the University will break ground on the construction of a campus bell tower this fall.   It has long been a vision that the University would establish an iconic bell tower, which both showcases the University’s Catholic character and serves as a landmark symbol for the campus community.    Benefactors Allen and Kathleen Lund of Pasadena, California are making this gift to inspire past, present and future generations of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the Bluff.

The bell tower is a central facet of physical enhancements to the 107 year old campus. Currently, the University is also renovating the EngineeringBuilding, constructing two new residence halls and renovating two existing residence halls.

The bell tower will be located within the existing Marian garden, next to the Chapel of Christ the Teacher and adjacent to St. Mary’s StudentCenter. It will be the tallest point on campus at approximately 100 feet and should be visible from points in downtown Portland. Fourteen bells of various sizes encased in the tower will bring chimes and music to campus on a daily and seasonal basis.   The bells will range in size from 77 to 1,400 pounds.    Each of the fourteen bells has been sponsored by a generous donor. Proceeds from the bell sponsorship will be used towards an endowment fund for Campus Ministry.

Remarked Father Beauchamp, “For years, the University has longed for an iconic campus symbol. Thanks to the generosity of the Lund family, a bell tower will grace the University in the fall of 2009. It will be a constant visual and auditory reminder of the faith that has built and sustained this great institution.”

Allen Lund, the new chairman of the University of Portland Board of Regents says, “Kathleen and I believe deeply in Catholic education and were inspired to assist the University in establishing something that enhances the spiritual ambience of campus. Our entire family is thrilled and grateful for this privilege.”