How do you approach writing a modern alma mater? SUNY Buffalo State will soon find out. The college is holding a competition to rewrite the lyrics of their 60-year-old song for the 150th anniversary of the college.
Buffalo State’s current alma mater, “Our Finest Hour,” was written in 1951.
Music Department Chair Victoria Furby has been signing the song for years with the college choir at graduation ceremonies.
“But I think we were in kind of, in my opinion, and I'm the one who sings this more often than anybody else on campus, in desperate need of a new alma mater,” Furby said. “Actually reflecting the hope of the students of the 21st century, as opposed to my favorite line for the old alma mater, which makes me laugh every time we sing it is, “When darkness comes and all hope dies.”
Furby said the gloomy lyrics, which came shortly after World War II, came when Buffalo State was still a teacher’s college.
“So we're hoping that these lyrics will be updated to reflect the mission of the campus. The mission of diversity and inclusivity and all of the things that Buffalo State finds to be, or has developed into being, like a leader in globalism and world culture,” she said.
The original alma mater, as well as the contest rules can be found here. The college is looking for submissions from current students, alumni and faculty.
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28 at 5:00 p.m.
