The Chimes of Our Lives
Housley Tower brings back memories, rings in the future.
Though he never attended Angelo State, the late Bob Housley had a dream for the ASU campus.
Through the generosity of his wife, Mona Housley, that dream was realized this spring when the Housley Tower was officially dedicated right in the heart of the campus. The 65-foot tower is equipped with an electronic Verdin Carillon Bell System that is programmed with 7,800 songs in multiple bell voices, including the ASU Fight Song, plus 25 customizable tolling bells and eight clock chimes.
“We lived on Live Oak Street near the campus for many years,” Mona said. “Bob would sit outside in the evenings and listen to the bell chimes ASU used to have, but then they stopped and he never knew why. He would always say that he wanted to bring them back.”
“He was also on the ASU Foundation Board of Trustees, and its members had often heard him say that he would like to have the chimes back,” she added. “He never got around to it, and I thought that a bell tower would be a good legacy for him.”
“It was a huge honor,” Chris said. “I’m thankful that we were able to do that in Bob’s memory because I know he would’ve enjoyed it. He always enjoyed the bells that used to play on campus, and I think he would love the tower.”
The Housley Tower bell system chimes daily at 8 a.m., 11:48 a.m. and 5 p.m. The 11:48 a.m. chimes signify the exact time the legislation was signed that created Angelo State College as a four-year, state-supported institution on May 17, 1963.
Additionally, color-changing LED lights are installed throughout the tower and around the base. The first lighting of the tower took place during spring commencement ceremonies in May, and it has also been lit up on several other significant dates.
“I hope people will see the tower and remember how much Bob loved ASU, San Angelo and the people.”
- Mona Housley
“It’s beautiful and it’s so neat to see it all lit up,” Mona said. “I can’t tell you how many people have mentioned it to me. It’s like the whole town gets to take part in it and has really embraced it. I’ve also had a lot of people tell me they have heard the bells and how much they enjoy them. This would be awesome to Bob and so meaningful.”
“I think it’s a great thing for ASU and a fun addition to the campus,” Chris added. “It’s also fun to know that people will see and think about the tower for years to come, particularly for special events. I’ve seen the photos of when it was lit up for the 4th of July, graduation and other special occasions, and I think it’s great for the campus.”
But just who was Bob Housley, whose name is now forever visible on the ASU campus?
A native of Jonesboro, Ark., Bob and his family arrived in San Angelo in 1976 through his job with Texas International Aviation. In 1980, he launched Housley Communications, and his innovative nature, passion for customer satisfaction, and personal relationships with his employees were instrumental in establishing his company as an industry leader in providing construction and technical services to many of the major telecommunications companies in the U.S. and abroad.
He also cared deeply for the community. He was an active supporter of numerous organizations, including the Lighthouse for the Blind and West Texas Rehabilitation Center, and he served on the Board of Trustees for the ASU Foundation and First Financial Bank for many years.
“He always wanted better for everyone.”
- Mona Housley
“Bob was very friendly, very outgoing and very generous” Mona said. “He just loved people and he never met a stranger. He loved San Angelo and he loved ASU.”
Bob’s family also loves ASU. His and Mona’s late son, Kevin (Class of 2002), daughter-in-law, Vicki Layman (2006), granddaughter, Symphony Fischer (2014 & 2016), and grandson-in-law, Ty Fischer (2016), are all alumni. The Housley Principled Leadership Program was developed by a friend and named in Kevin’s honor, and it has since been adapted into the ASU management curriculum.
“Bob was very proud of the Housley Principled Leadership Program,” Mona added. “Gayle Randall teaches it, and she’s awesome. The kids that come out of it all seem very enthused about taking part in the program and how helpful it will be in their lives.”
“The program is named in honor of my dad, but my grandfather played a large part in contributing and helping raise the funds to make that a reality and ensure it was endowed so it could continue for a long time,” Chris said. “Helping people grow is another avenue of success, and I hope people will remember that this is also part of Bob’s legacy at ASU, along with the tower.”
And thanks to the Housley Family, Bob’s legacy will tower over the ASU campus and fill the air with his beloved chimes long into the future.
“Helping people grow is another avenue of success, and I hope people will remember that this is also part of Bob’s legacy at ASU, along with the tower.”
- Chris Housley
“I hope people will see the tower and remember how much Bob loved ASU, San Angelo and the people,” Mona said. “He always wanted better for everyone. It wasn’t until after he passed away that I learned how much he had done for so many people.”
“I hope that people will think of Bob similar to how I do,” Chris added. “He was a successful businessman, but along with that success he was extremely generous. I hope people see that with the tower as a gift in his honor, it’s through his success and generosity that we were able to do that.”