When President Wallace B. Fleming wrote our Alma Mater in 1918, this was the campus he was inspired by. 100 years later, some things look familiar — and yet very different.
We have sung this music, with the lyrics set to the tune of the opera Lucia di Lamamore, thousands of times in the past century. Or, rather, we sing the first verse – perhaps because it is a bit musically challenging for many.
There were actually four verses, with the last repeating the first. On rare occasions we have included the third verse. My personal favorite, however, might actually be verse two. Here are the lyrics to all of the verses.
When asked, many people believe that our official Alma Mater is actually a different song altogether. We sing My Home Among the Hills at all occasions. It brings a tear to the eye, as these types of songs tend to do. But this is actually a pretty modern phenomenon.
Written in 1963 by E.W. “Bill” James of Clarksburg, this song was first part of a play that James wrote to celebrate the West Virginia Centennial. It encompasses the entire state, and is especially descriptive of North Central West Virginia, where WVWC is located. He was a Trustee of WVWC from 1964-1978, and received an Honorary Degree in 1973. Our choirs have enthusiastically embraced this musical tribute to the area.
One celebrates the earliest years, and the values that make us who we are.
The other celebrates the beautiful place where we are located.
Both bring a tear to my eye.
To explore the West Virginia Wesleyan College heritage further, please visit https://DreamersAndGiants.com