The history of the Alma Mater is somewhat enigmatic. There have been several attempts made at a college song or alma mater, on one occasion inspired by a contest in The Papyrus. “Alma Mater Greenville!” is the song that won the hearts of the Greenville College community and the 1999-2000 academic year marks the 100th anniversary of the writing of the Alma Mater, an event worthy of celebration.

The first record of an Alma Mater at Greenville College can be found in the first annual published by the College, The Okaw, in 1903. This version was written by Walter A. Joy and arranged by E. Grace Hogue, wife of then President Wilson T. Hogue. This version is also cited in The Okaw of 1904 as “Greenville Alma Mater.” Just below it however, are the lyrics of “Hail! Greenville!” the traditional text of the Alma Mater we sing today, also by Walter A. Joy in 1899.

The tale that surrounds the writing of the Alma Mater is as follows. In the late nineteenth century the Greenville College male quartet often performed in the surrounding communities of Greenville. The day preceding one of these occasions, Professor Robert English, who led the quartet, felt a song was needed that would adequately represent the College to the community of Sorento, Illinois. He approached Walter A. Joy who agreed to the challenge that resulted in “Alma Mater! Greenville!” set to a slightly modified tune of “Hail. Hail, Cornell!” which was performed the following evening.

To this day it is sung by students, staff, faculty, and administration and is the song that forever rings in the memories of those who pass through the hallowed halls of Greenville College. It stands today, one hundred years later, as the embodiment of the heart and soul of Greenville College.