William D. Ellis, 90, of Elon, the author of the lyrics for Elon’s Alma Mater, died May 8 at Alamance Regional Medical Center.
A memorial service is being planned by the family for at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 27, at the Elon Community Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Hospice or the Ronald McDonald Home.
Ellis was asked to write lyrics for the song in 1998 by his neighbor, David Bragg, a member of Elon’s music faculty. President Fred Young had chosen the tune for the Alma Mater, a 1267 medieval hymn titled “Gaudeamus igitur.” He had heard the tune, which is a popular academic song in many European countries, on a trip abroad.
Bragg asked his neighbor, William Ellis, to come up with lyrics for the piece. Ellis’s daughter and son-in-law were Elon graduates. Ellis, who was a poet and retired teacher, took about three weeks to produce the words.
The Alma Mater became part of Elon’s Commencement programs and is also sung at Opening Convocation in the Fall and at other formal events. Here are the lyrics that Ellis wrote:
The Alma Mater
Sons of Elon, daughters, too,
Bring their praise and homage true.
In thy keeping there will be
Words and deeds to honor thee.
Hearken to the song they’re singing
And the loyalty they’re bringing.
Alma Mater, they will cherish thee;
Alma Mater, they will cherish thee.
Proud, the oak trees on thy hill
Offer shade and shadow still.
Green the fields around thee lie;
Blue the Carolina sky.
Stately rise thy halls of learning;
Toward their portals we are turning.
Alma Mater, we will cherish thee;
Alma Mater, we will cherish thee.
Elon, ever lead us on
To a bright and happy dawn.
Teach us still to love and pray;
Guide us to a nobler day.
Joyous music lies before us,
Memories to swell the chorus.
Alma Mater, we will cherish thee;
Alma Mater, we will cherish thee.