Help Us Write a New LMU Alma Mater

Students rally the men's soccer team at a match last season, when LMU finished with an invitation to the NCAA tournament.
Students rally the men’s soccer team at a match last season, when LMU finished with an invitation to the NCAA tournament.

LMU’s Alma Mater, “Hail Crimson Blue,” was written in 1938 by John T. Boudreau, a composer and band leader who was deeply involved in the L.A. music entertainment world. College life has changed since then, and it’s probably no surprise that today the tune today isn’t well known by students and alumni. So, LMU has decided to launch a contest to write new lyrics for the Alma Mater as part of its Centennial celebration marking the founding of the university a century ago.

The lyrics will be set to the tune of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” “With the university’s Centennial celebration approaching,” said Lane Bove, senior vice president for student Affairs, “we want to create an Alma Mater that is more lyrical, meaningful and, above all, memorable.” The winner of the contest will receive a prize of $1,000 and much gratitude from the LMU community.

Also, for those of you who have always wanted to be on “American Idol,” we invite you to make a one-minute video of yourself singing your lyrics to the “Ode to Joy” melody. Your video won’t be part of the selection process for the contest, but it would be great for all of us to see your rendition on the Internet. Just upload your video to YouTube and send us the link via our contact form. We’ll post links here at LMU Magazine Online.