Cornell Class of 1969

The Complete Cornell Alma Mater

We all know two verses of Cornell's Alma Mater, but did you know the other four??? Thanks to Deney Lam (' 01), the Cornell Glee Club Sales Manager, here are the full six! Go ahead, sing them outloud -- and judge for yourself whether generations of Cornellians have been wise to use only the first two  ; )

The Cornell Alma Mater

Verse One

Far above Cayuga's waters
With its waves of blue
Stands our noble Alma Mater
Glorious to view

Verse Two

Far above the busy humming
Of the bustling town
Reared against the arch of heaven
Looks she proudly down

Verse Three

Sentry-like o'er lake and valley
Towers her regal form
Watch and ward forever keeping
Braving time and storm
So through clouds of doubt and darkness
Gleams her beacon light
Fault and error clear revealing
Blazing forth the right

Verse Four

To the glory of her founder
Rise her stately walls
May her sons pay equal tribute
Whene'er duty calls
When the moments swiftly fleeting
Ages roll between
Many yet unborn shall hail her
Alma Mater, Queen!

Verse Five

In the music of the waters
As they glide along
In the murmur of the breezees
With their whispered song
In the tuneful chorus blending
With each pealing bell
One refrain seems oft repeated
Hail, all hail, Cornell

Verse Six

Here, by flood and foaming torrent
Gorge and rocky dell
Pledge we faith and homage ever
To our loved Cornell.
May time ne'er efface the memory
Of her natal day
And her name and fame be honored
Far and wide away!