Alma
Mater
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Verse 1:
Eagles gather near, we lift our voices loud and clear
Soaring high, oh Alma Mater, threads of blue and gold
United we soar, in vast open skies
Embry-Riddle, we hail thee, great memories well hold
Refrain:
So here's to you old ERAU
Alma Mater true,
We pledge in love and harmony
Our loyalty to you
Verse 2:
Singing thy praise, remembering the days
Coast to coast, around the world, our bond forever true
Embracing our dreams, with pride far and wide
Embry-Riddle, we hail thee, great memories well hold
Refrain:
So here's to you old ERAU
Alma Mater true,
We pledge in love and harmony
Our loyalty to you
About Embry-Riddle's Alma Mater
Embry-Riddle's newest and one of our most proud achievements is the creation of an Alma Mater. Performed for the first time last December at commencement, the Alma Mater was introduced to all graduates, faculty, staff, family, and friends. This is Embry-Riddle's first official university song, i.e. Alma Mater. Now our students, faculty, friends and alumni have a tradition to sing to. A university's Alma Mater is the fabric of its history, traditions, and values. Such a song reinforces the beliefs of community and excellence that founders aspire to create, says Paul Bell, Associate Dean of Students for Embry-Riddle.
Plans to create the Alma Mater began last semester when a small group of students and staff members agreed that a university song was long overdue. Fellow Embry-Riddle student, Brian Lutz, states, Being a part of this planning process is an honor. Not many students can say that they have helped to write the Alma Mater for Embry-Riddle. My motivation for this project comes from the time I remember the entire University of Florida stadium singing their Alma Mater at Homecoming last Fall.
After weeks of composing music, critiquing lyrics and researching common themes from other university Alma Maters, the group submitted a proposal to the Chancellor. Dr. Price then brought the proposed Alma Mater to the university Cabinet who unanimously agreed to have it performed at the next commencement. The Cabinet felt it was about time the university had an Alma Mater and they hoped it would be accepted just as well by the commencement audience.
Following the Alma Mater performance by Riddle's own a cappella group, the AcaFella's, many positive remarks were made among students, staff, and friends. Pleased that the Alma Mater would now become a tradition at ERAU, Director of University Relations Darryl Niemeyer says that, this university song is something that the students and alumni will be proud to have.
The current challenge is to introduce the newly created Alma Mater to all students, faculty and alumni. Alma Maters are traditionally sung at various official university ceremonies, student gatherings, athletic events and other special activities. In order for it to be sung, people have to know the melody and lyrics.
Ill never forget my graduation from the University of South Carolina. Our graduating class stood up, put our arms around each other's shoulder, and swayed back and forth while singing the Alma Mater. I will always remember that feeling, says Kevin Snyder, Assistant Director of Student Activities.