The Georgetown Chimes, the all-male a capella group founded at Georgetown in 1946, are best known to the University at large for their welcome performances at University functions, alumni gatherings, and local restaurants, and their sponsorship of the annual Cherry Tree Massacre, a singing festival held each winter.

Lauinger Library, however, may best remember them in the future for their donation, as a group, of nearly two million dollars to the Library's endowment over the last ten years. The Chimes and the Library celebrated this milestone on February 10 as part of the dedication of a plaque in the Library lobby, honoring Father Gerard F. Yates, S.J., for whom one of their endowment funds is named.

Nearly 100 Chimes alumni, actives, and their families gathered in Lauinger's lobby for the unveiling of an etched crystal plaque to commemorate the Yates Fund. After remarks by Chimes President Ken Rynne, C'78, L'83, Library Advisory Council chairman David Walsh, C'58, Tony Kerbs, C'73, and the reading of the plaque's inscription by James P. M. Walsh, S.J., the group joined in song, then moved to the Murray Room for a buffet supper. "We are very grateful to Dr. Sue Martin and the University for commissioning this plaque to remember our friend and to express their gratitude for our long-term financial support of Lauinger Library," says Ken Rynne. "Fr. Gerry Yates was a loyal and loving friend to his fellow Chimes and to five generations of Hoyas. As we dedicate this plaque, let us remember his best qualities and dedicate ourselves to emulate him. Let us be true friends to each other and true friends to Georgetown. Let us teach our children and demonstrate to all students who walk past this plaque, the qualities of loyalty and love that make a true friend."

The Georgetown Chimes join the Library's other million dollar and above donors on its marble Benefactor's Wall by the Library's front entrance, a permanent reminder to all that their singing talents and camaraderie are exceeded only by their generosity.