Former student John W. Beaumont launched a campaign to raise funds for a monument to College Hall, the first academic building on campus. Its success led to the construction of Beaumont Tower, the familiar landmark standing on the site of that building, and the establishment of protections for the “sacred circle” area in which it stands. Inside, Beaumont Tower’s carillon is considered one of the finest of its size. It contains 49 cast bronze bells weighing 12.5 tons in total and is played live by a musician seated at the clock face level of the tower. The tower and instrument were dedicated in 1929.