The Elizabethtown College Alma Mater was written by Jennie Miller Via, class of 1909 and arranged by Darrell Douglas. Making its debut in 1921, the alma mater was first performed by a male quartet that featured former, long-time College President and namesake of the Baugher Student Center, A.C. Baugher as a member. The alma mater was sung often during campus events and numerous local churches where the quartet performed.
In 2024 as a part of the College’s 125th anniversary, President Betty Rider appointed a committee to refresh the lyrics. The committee, chaired by Dr. Jim Haines, Professor of Music Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of Music, was made up of alumni, faculty, staff, and current students, updated the lyrics to both reflect on the past while looking ahead to the future of the College.
Elizabethtown College Alma Mater
We hail you Alma Mater dear,
As now we sing your praise;
O let your walls and storied halls
Resound with song always.
The just and fair alike do share
The labor of your hand;
Together they proclaim always
Your glory through the land.
As long as breezes ‘round you blow
And endless ages roll,
May countless honors on you rest,
While we your name extol.
CHORUS:
We Educate for Service,
To that we will be true;
We love you ever, oh E.C.
And your colors Gray and Blue.