The Washington University in St. Louis Alma Mater is sung at the close of the all-campus Commencement ceremony in May.
In 1907, Arthur Lieber, director of the WUSTL Glee Club, suggested to his students that they write an Alma Mater based on “How Can I Leave Thee,” a traditional German song. Two glee club members in the Class of 1908, Milton Rosenheim and George Logan, wrote verses. The song was quickly accepted as Washington University’s Alma Mater after the lyrics were printed in Student Life.
Dear Alma Mater,
Thy name is sweet to me.
Our hearts are all for thee
Fair Washington.
Thy halls shall honored be
Throughout this great country
For all eternity, Our Washington.
Those days of youth which
All of us spent with thee
Form a dear history,
Fair Washington.
Could they renewed be,
We’d live our days with thee
For all eternity, Our Washington.