Pride for ULM shown in its songs

Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, November 19, 2006

Recently, the University of Louisiana at Monroe held Envision 2006 at the Monroe Civic Center. It was a lovely evening - from the table settings to the music to the video featuring C.C. Colvert to the speeches. Judging by the smiles and hugs and applause and standing ovations - not to mention the diamond - a good time was had by all.

And such excellent speeches! Student Government President Rob Carroll spoke about "shining bright the bayou's gem," taken from our current Alma Mater. President James Cofer echoed this theme as he told us about "polishing the facets" of our gem. Listening to these references to our Alma Mater, I wondered about what other words we could find that might say something about our campus.

The first Alma Mater, written by Roger Frisbie and Bess Mary Crider in spring 1932, uses the inspiring words, "Ouachita, dear Alma Mater, homage bring we now, here our truest heart's devotion to thy name we vow." By the way, we are still not sure what this one sounds like. If you have been reading about ULM this year, you have noticed that many have been searching for the sheet music but have not found it yet - but there is continued hope for all of us on this path.

From 1934-50, the words of the LSU Alma Mater whispered to us, "Where stately oaks and broad magnolias shade inspiring halls, there stands our dear old alma mater who to us recalls fond memories that waken in our hearts a tender glow, and makes us happy for the love that we have learned to know." Although our oaks and magnolias were young then, our memories and love have continued to grow along with them.

In 1950, we became Northeast Louisiana State College and hailed our first Alma Mater as a four-year college. Written by Harry Lemert, we can still find lovely and inspiring words there: "May thy glories grow in splendor ever in our sight. N.L.S.C. by name we call her, by the bayou's clear blue water; deep within our hearts we seek her lofty goals of life. All hail to thee N.L.S.C. Faithful we will be to Thee!"

We are not sure when, and if, these three were sung, but we should consider singing our current Alma Mater whenever possible. When I traveled to Purdue University to see my daughter in the Purdue All American Marching Band, I was always impressed when 70,000 fans in the stadium hushed as the first words of their Alma Mater were spoken, "Close by the Wabash in famed Hoosier land, stands old Purdue serene and grand." and then everyone sang. Although I have been cautioned about singing in public by my daughter, I still crave the opportunity to join with others at a gathering, whether it be football game, convocation, alumni banquet or commencement ... wherever those who love our college gather ... in singing "shining bright the bayou's gem, ever loyal to ULM."

Have a great day at ULM.

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor