What is Notre Dames alma mater?
Alma mater is Latin for “nourishing mother”. It was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, and in Medieval Christianity for the Virgin Mary. In modern times it is used to refer to the university or college a person attended. In American English, it may also be used in reference to the high school from which an individual has graduated. The expression is rarely used other than in the singular, but if required the Latin plural is almae matres. The oldest continuously-operating degree-granting Western university: the University of Bologna, in Italy, (founded A.D. 1088 in the city of Bologna), adopted the motto Alma Mater Studiorum (meaning “Nourishing Mother of Studies”) in 2000. On the campus of Columbia University on the steps of Low Library there is a well known bronze statue of Alma Mater by Daniel Chester French. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.
Joseph Casasanta, a 1923 Notre Dame graduate, composed the song for the Oct. 11, 1930, dedication of Notre Dame Stadium. Rev. Charles O’Donnell, C.S.C., president of the university at the time of composition, wrote the song’s lyrics in honor of the university’s patroness, Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Besides the usual role an alma mater plays for the school, it is part of the postgame show of the Band of the Fighting Irish and is the traditional conclusion to Notre Dame pep rallies, football games, and all sporting events. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.
“Notre Dame, Our Mother” is the alma mater of the University of Notre Dame. Joseph Casasanta, a 1923 Notre Dame graduate, composed the song for the Oct. 11, 1930, dedication of Notre Dame Stadium. Rev. Charles O’Donnell, C.S.C., president of the university at the time of composition, wrote the song’s lyrics in honor of the university’s patroness, Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Besides the usual role an alma mater plays for the school, it is part of the postgame show of the Band of the Fighting Irish and is the traditional conclusion to Notre Dame pep rallies, football games, and all sporting events. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.
