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Ferrere, a native of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, graduated from WIU in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Science.
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Western Illinois University Rings in New School Year with Carillon Challenge

August 27, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Since 1939, the sound of the Western Illinois University carillon has been part of the Leatherneck experience, marking the hours, welcoming students and carrying traditions like "Western Loyalty" across campus. Larry Ferrere `81 recently committed a generous gift and challenged the WIU community to help restore and modernize this iconic campus staple, ensuring it continues to ring for future generations of Leathernecks.

Ferrere committed to a challenge gift of $25,000, which will be unlocked when donors raise $25,000 for the carillon project. The gift and match will provide the resources to not only fund the new system, but also to endow the Carillon Fund to ensure the long-term viability of the carillon system for students for years to come. The fundraising and the installation are targeted for completion by Homecoming 2026 (Friday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 25).

"I wanted to make a gift that could add to our campus and provide a spark to WIU and its For the W campaign," Ferrere said. "Making this gift and asking others to join me to make a gift to modernize the carillon will ensure that a great tradition not only continues at WIU, but will be enhanced."

The Schulmerich Symphony Digital Carillon will correct timing issues that have plagued the aging system and will add new capabilities to the system, including a vast library of songs the carillon can play and the ability for WIU to have guest musicians perform on the carillon.

The Symphony Carillon is the most musical and versatile carillon available today, offering the rich, resonant tones of cast bronze bells with advanced digital sampling capturing each bell's individual tonal characteristics from the initial strike to the full sound decay and rich hum tones. The Symphony carillon delivers authentic bell tones with unmatched clarity and tradition.

"We will modernize the carillon, and the tradition will evolve with the new musical elements to the campus, whether it be the fight song, the alma mater or special guests playing the carillon," Ferre said. "It is always about the we. Together, we can make an impact for the students of Western Illinois University."

To support Ferrere's challenge and the future of the WIU carillon system, visit bit.ly/WIUBells.

For more information about the For the W Campaign or to make a gift to support the students of WIU, contact the Office of Advancement at 309-298-1861 or go online at wiu.edu/forthew.

Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing