Calling all Bridgewater State University students, faculty, librarians, staff, administrators and alumni!
Pen your lyrics and submit to
before Friday, November 19, 2021!
A rare opportunity to wax lyrical (literally), as well as leave a lasting impression on Bridgewater State for years to come, is up for grabs.
Over the past two years, the BSU Spirit Committee has been reviewing our alma mater and gathering input about possible new directions.
The most common refrain? People found the current alma mater difficult to sing and that the lyrics felt less relevant to the BSU experience of today.
In a statement, the Spirit Committee explained, “We see and feel the pride that we have in this great University and in those who have come before us.
An updated alma mater, with lyrics written to reflect the current times and spirit of our beloved BSU, will help engage our entire BSU community and better express the feelings that all generations share.”
After careful review of the existing, as well as consideration of several alternative melodies conducted with the assistance of Mr. Steven Karidoyanes, music director of the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, it was clear that the present melody, with minor revisions that would make it easier for everyone to sing, was the way to go.
The original lyrics for the alma mater were penned by Zelma Lucas, Class of 1904, and William Lester Bates, Class of 1892. Lovely as they are, these lyrics reflect the mood of the times in which they were written. It is the goal of the Spirit Committee to refresh this important institutional song so it best captures and expresses the aspirations and pride of our BSU community in the 21st century and beyond.
Deciding it preferred a far more inclusive process that engaged our extended BSU family of students, faculty, librarians, staff, administrators and alumni, the new lyrics will be determined through an Alma Mater Lyrics Contest (members of the committee judging the finalists of the BSU Alma Mater Lyrics Contest are ineligible).
Participants are asked to write and submit original lyrics for consideration before end of day, Friday, November 19, 2021, to
In total, the melody lasts about 40 seconds and requires 2-3 original verses. The melody is in two short parts:
• A verse made up of 4 lines; …and…
• A refrain made up of 2 lines.
Following each verse, please keep the lyrics of the refrain constant.
Click here to listen to the melody
The lyricist (or lyricists) whose words are chosen will receive a $1,000 cash prize, framed copy of their lyrics hung in a place of honor on campus, lunch with President Clark, a story in the Bridgewater magazine and two tickets to a performance of the Plymouth Philharmonic.
The Alma Mater Committee will identify four contest submissions as finalists. The winning lyrics from these finalists will be determined by a special committee assembled for this purpose by the BSU President.
The winning lyrics will be announced in February 2022 and officially launched at the Commencement ceremonies in May 2022.
