In 1959, the then-living members of the Class of 1907 donated the carillon to the University of Delaware, noting at the dedication ceremony that the gift was presented to the University “in the hopes that the sound of these bells will warm the hearts and lift the thoughts of those who pass this way.” The carillon was placed in the bell tower of Memorial Hall, at the heart of the UD campus. Each morning, at precisely three minutes past eight, the sounds of "Delaware, My Delaware," the University's alma mater, "America," and the UD "Fight! Song" still float across The Green, passing by the Georgian columns, above the brick walkways, greeting the campus community at the start of another day. The chimes also play daily at 12:03 pm and 5:03 pm and serve as a symbol of pride and tradition.
This gift from the Class of 1907 has provided generations of students, faculty and friends a beautiful legacy of music and inspiration. In this same spirit, members of Carillon Circle are leaving their own legacy to “warm the hearts and lift the thoughts” of future generations of Blue Hens through their meaningful and important contributions to the University of Delaware.
Carillon Circle was established to recognize, honor and thank our most loyal supporters—those who have continued the generous legacy of alumni and friends by remembering the University of Delaware in their estate plans. Membership in Carillon Circle is exclusive to those who have informed the University of their commitment to benefit Delaware through their will or other plans. These provisions include bequests, gifts that provide a life income (such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities), gifts of real estate, qualified retirement plan assets and other deferred gifts.
Carillon Circle members are honored at exclusive events celebrating their dedication to the University of Delaware. Members receive a distinctive Carillon Circle gift and special invitations to University events and educational programs.
If you have already made estate provisions for the University of Delaware, we hope that you will share those plans with us and we can ensure that your intentions will be met. If you would like more information, we are happy to discuss gift planning options to match your wishes. We can also work with your financial advisor and/or attorney and your family members. Please call the Office of Gift Planning at 302.831.3822 or email us to schedule a confidential conversation about gift planning with one of our knowledgeable team members.
