- Learn the Valpo Alma Mater
The Valparaiso University Alma Mater has a long and interesting history. The song was originally introduced in 1935 after being written by two former music professors and approved by VU President Oscar Kreinheder. It is sung to the tune of an old German song titled “How Can I Leave Thee?” In 1944, President O.P. Kretzmann began a campaign to replace the alma mater with a different song, but students protested and the old alma mater endured. In May 1977, the VU Alumni Association Board of Directors reversed the original verse order at the urging of the former vice president for public and alumni affairs who felt that the first verse should include “We pledge…” and “To pay…” Today the Alma Mater has been brought back to its original composition.
Hail to the Brown and Gold!
Thy sons and daughters hold
In loving loyalty
Thy colors dear;
Colors whereby they show
What others, too, should know;
That they belong to you.
Dear old Valpo.Hail to the Brown and Gold!
Recall the days of old,
The happy days which we
Ne’er shall forget.
As shadows longer grow,
Brighter the flame shall glow,
The flame of love for you –
Dear old Valpo.Hail to the Brown and Gold!
We pledge thee to uphold –
Wherever we may be –
Thy honored name.
Through years that come and go,
To pay the debt we owe,
We’ll e’er be true to you,
Dear old Valpo.