News
Press Releases

3/15/05
For immediate release 

Contact: Marilynn Fryer
 (517) 796-8466
e-mail: FryerMarilynT@jccmi.edu

Clock Tower Arrives on Campus

Private Donations Fund Project

 

            When Jackson Community College students come back from spring break next week, they'll notice a new addition to campus.  The new Glen and Phyllis Walker Memorial Clock Tower arrived on the main campus of JCC today, March 9, 2005. 

            The clock tower is an original design for the JCC campus, a 50-foot high, four-sided metal structure, with carillon bells chiming the hour and over 200 melodies for special events.  The system can also be used for a collegewide public address system in case of emergency.  Working to install the clock tower was the Verdin Bell Company, general contractor Robert L. Johnson of Jackson, electrical sub-contractor Hirst Electric of Jackson, and crane operator, Floyd's Rigging of Adrian.

            Sisters Jacqueline Walker and Patricia (Walker) Fenchuk, both JCC alumni, contributed the initial $75,000 toward the project to commemorate the work and sacrifice their parents made to ensure their daughters could go to college.  Total project cost is approximately $139,000, with all funding coming from private donor contributions. A private dedication ceremony for the donors will be held March 29, and a larger community celebration is in the works for summer, when the weather is warmer.

            For the Walkers, JCC was something each member had in common.  Phyllis Walker worked at JCC for a number of years as a secretary in the purchasing department, Glen Walker had taken classes at JCC as an adult, and in his later years became a frequent patron of Potter Center performances.  It was Glen who had a lifelong love of clocks and timepieces.  Both daughters got their start at JCC, graduating from the College and continuing on to complete their bachelor's degrees, Patricia at Central Michigan University and Jacqueline at Michigan State University.  Patricia graduated with a degree in psychology and taught for several years before having children.  Jacqueline received her degree in advertising management from MSU and has enjoyed a long and successful career in television journalism.  She anchors the evening news at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. for WIVB-TV in Buffalo, New York, a CBS affiliate.            

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