24. Mass Campaniling

Ashley Hunt


Mass Campaniling

Anyone who knows anything about Iowa State’s campus knows that the Campanile is one of the most well-known and beloved symbols of Iowa State. And anyone who has walked through central campus on a sunny afternoon and seen the Campanile, which stands 110 feet tall, knows it is one of the most beautiful landmarks found on Iowa State’s campus.

The Campanile brings even more beauty to the campus at night. Not only does it look magical, it sounds magical — with 50 bells playing tunes every quarter of an hour. Besides its magical look and sound, the Campanile holds a magical tradition as well.

Tradition says that a student has not become a true Iowa-Stater until he or she has been kissed under the Campanile at the stroke of midnight.

During Homecoming, hundreds, even thousands, of students gather around the Campanile to kiss another at midnight. Those who have been mass-campaniling know that it can be not only extremely romantic, but a fun time as well.