Illinois State University Art alumna and Bloomington native Mary McNamee Bower, ’77, of Evansville, Ind., now has an even closer bond with her alma mater, having won the new school song competition to commemorate Illinois State’s 150th anniversary this year.
Bower and her husband, David, wrote the lyrics to “Pride of Illinois” and their friend, Jeremy A. Korba, a church music director, wrote the music. A committee comprised of faculty, staff, alumni and students, headed by Music Professor Emeritus Jim Roderick, selected their work from 43 entries.
Illinois State announced the contest for a new school song last February. The winners share $5,000. The guidelines called for the song to commemorate Illinois State’s history, capture the spirit of the University today and project a vision for the future. Read the full press relase on Media Relations Web site.
"Join the chorus, sing together
Gather all as one.
Let us with bold voice acclaim her
Hope for all who come."
Chorus:
"Red our color
Rich our history
Friendships always true
Pride of Illinois forever
Hail to ISU.
"Sound and wise when we were founded
These our noble quest
Wisdom, honor, glory, virtue
Still we give our best."
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