Gus and Connie Schoenherr

Being able to help fund the Carillon was a joy to the both of us, Gus and Connie Schoenherr. We paid for the computer system that runs the Carillon. It cost $25,000 at the turn of the century which will probably seem like a little in your day. We are living in an era that has been referred to as "the computer age". So we celebrate our gift of the computer that is so symbolic of our times.

When bell donor Dave Stuart asked for our support there were two main reasons why we stepped up. We both have a love of Naperville and a love of music. Naperville is a wonderful community in which to live and raise families. Connie moved with her sister and parents to Naperville in 1935 so that she could attend Naperville High School. At the time Naperville High School was located where the present site of Washington Junior High School is but was situated closer to Washington Street. Gus came to Naperville to attend North Central College. He graduated from NCC in 1948 and Connie in 1950. Connie has a lifetime interest in performing music. She played both the tenor sax and the piano, as well as sang. Connie played with the Naperville Municipal Band and in an all women's band called the Sweethearts of Rhythm. In her early years as a second grade teacher she was expected to teach art and music as well as academic subjects to her class. Gus, who was also an educator, believed that music enhances everyday life. Gus liked civic projects that would enrich Naperville's legacy into the next millennium.

Both of us hope that the Carillon will be a nice thing that Naperville could be noted for. It is in a great central location for all of Naperville to enjoy. In it's beauty of structure and ringing out of music the Carillon adds a special atmosphere of culture to Naperville.