CU Boulder’s alma mater encourages graduating students to reflect on their lifelong connection to the university as they transition from students into alumni and Forever Buffs.
The Story Behind the Song
In 1937, marching band director Hugh McMillen (’42) and English Professor Jack Ogilvy (’25) co-wrote our alma mater. That year, the marching band performed the song publicly for the first time during a football game on Thanksgiving. In 1941, McMillen and Ogilvy published the music with slightly different lyrics. That spring was the beginning of the song’s long-standing graduation tradition.
Learn the Lyrics
Join your fellow Buffs in singing along to the alma mater at commencement:
“Hail, all hail our Alma Mater!
Ever will our hearts be true:
You will live with us forever,
Loyal we will be to you.
We will sing forever your praises,
Ever more our love renew,
Pledge our whole devotion to you.
Dear old CU!”