EKU Alma Mater

EKU's Alma Mater written by Nancy Evans and arranged by Jane Campbell, music orchestra professor from 1926 to 1967, was first played at commencement in 1933. The following video clip is from the 1988 Spring Commencement. The lyrics follow.

Eastern Alma Mater

Hail to thee our Alma Mater,

Faithful guide of youth,

Holding high amid the darkness

Duty, light, and truth;

Still above, the skies attend thee,

Still thy stately columns stand,

Still thy sons and daughters love thee

Sing thy praises o’er the land.

All the earth’s resplendent beauty

Nature gathered here,

Rolling lawns and trees and grasses

On thy hillsides fair;

Happy days within thy shadow,

Friends and comrades we have won.

Fill our hearts with exaltation

For thy task so nobly done.

When beloved Alma Mater

Memory recalls

Other days of youth and laughter

In thy gracious halls;

When thy sons and daughters scattered

Turn again to thee,

Still thy lamp is brightly lighting

Us afar, that we may see.

Music by Jane Campbell

Words by Nancy Evans