Alma Mater

The Texas State school song, named "Alma Mater," was written by Jessie Sayers (one of the first faculty members) in the early 1900s to the tune of "Ancient of Days," a Presbyterian hymn written in 1896 by J. Albert Jeffrey.

Sayers was one of the first Texas State professors and sister of Texas Gov. Joseph Sayers.

The song's words harken back to the golden era of school tributes. The song paints a classical and idyllic portrait of the hilly campus above the San Marcos River.

A tradition associated with the song is for students to come together at the end of an athletic event and sing it together, win or lose. 

 

O, Alma Mater, set upon the green hills,
With turrets pointing upward to the sky;
We yield to thee our love and our devotion;
Mother of hopes and aspirations high.

 

Thy feet are laved by pure and limpid waters,
Fair river flowing gently to the sea;
Thy hills are crowned with ancient oak and laurel
Fit emblems they of strength and victory.

 

Thy walls call tell of struggles and temptations,

Hard honest toil, and eager restless strife;

Hopes, smiles and tears, and radiant youthful friendships,

And all that makes for brave and earnest life.

 

Dear mother, ours, should effort be successful,

Ambitions crowned with glory or renown,

We turn to thee with reverence and affection,

Thine is the conquest, thine the victor's crown.

 

Thy spirit urges us to deeds of valor,
Raising the fallen, cheering the oppressed;
Thy call will echo clearly down the ages.
Dear Alma Mater, mother loved and blessed