Campus has been a little quieter lately.
ASU's Symphonic Carillon's speakers and other sound equipment were stolen more than ten days ago from the roof of Matthews Hall, costing the University more than $3,000, according to ASU spokeswoman and carillon enthusiast Judith Smith.
"We're very, very disappointed, and we hope whoever did this will be caught," Smith said.
The carillon, a set of stationary bells played with a keyboard, were a gift from the 1965-66 Associated Students of ASU.
The carillon was removed a few years later and placed in storage at the Matthews Center. It was rediscovered and put back to use in 2002. It chimes every quarter-hour.
Stefanie Bobar, administrative assistant in the Summer Sessions Study Abroad office, said she didn't even know the equipment had been stolen.
"I can't believe it," she said. "That's terrible."
Bobar said she didn't know the bells were stolen because she recently moved to an office outside the carillon's range.
"When I used to work [near Matthews Hall] I would hear them every day," Bobar said. "It was wonderful."
ASU's carillon is currently in San Diego awaiting renovation while the University uses one on loan, Smith said.
But don't expect to hear the bells anytime soon.
Smith said a police report regarding the theft has been filed, and the equipment would not be replaced until a permanent, secure place for the carillon is found on campus.
"Until then, we will have a silent campus," Smith said.
ASU and Tempe police could not be reached for comment.
Reach the reporter at meagan.pollnow@asu.edu
