Ohio University’s alma mater, entitled, “Alma Mater, Ohio,” was created by a special contest. In 1915, Kenneth S. Clark, a graduate of Princeton University, entered the contest to create an “alma mater song” for Ohio University and won the $150 first prize. Entries for this contest were received from all parts of the United States.

The chorus of "Alma Mater, Ohio" performed by the Ohio University Marching 110

The first verse and chorus of "Alma Mater, Ohio" performed by the Singing Men of Ohio (SMO)

This recording of the Cutler Hall chimes is courtesy of Ohio University Communications and Marketing

Alma Mater, Ohio

When e’er we take our book of mem’ries
And scan its pages through and through
We’ll find no days that glow so brightly
As those we spent at old O.U.
Within our Alma Mater’s portals
We meet her children hand to hand
And when there comes the day of parting,
Still firm and loyal we will stand

Our Alma Mater calls us ever,
And love of country has its claim,
The one but makes us prize the other,
And thus we cherish both the same.
When Alma Mater sends us forward,
And in her name we stand in line,
Then we will serve the nation better,
For having gathered at her shrine.

Chorus
Alma Mater, Ohio,
Alma Mater, brave and fair!
Alma Mater, we hail thee,
For we own thy kindly care.

Alma Mater, Ohio,
When we read thy story o’er,
We revere thee and cheer thee
As we sing thy praise once more.

The historical information for this page was collected from the Ohio University Student Handbook from the Office of the Dean of Students