The original alma mater for Webster University appears to be a song called "Dear Webster." The lyrics were by Anne E. Carr (class of 1928) and the music was by Frances "Frank" R. Ward (class of 1929). The song was first mentioned in the student newspaper in June 1928.1 Official publication came in 1929 when the sheet music appeared, copyrighted by Hunleth Music Co. (The Hunleth Music Co. archives are located at the University of Illinois.) An article in the student newspaper stated the following about the publication: Within its pages, sound the brave notes of the undying love of Loretto girls for their chosen mother, taking form in simple heart-felt words and music that marches gallantly.
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Words by Anne E. Carr (class of 1928) and music by Frances Rd. Ward (class of 1929). Sheet music copyright 1929 by Hunleth Music Co.
Alma Mater Royal Mother long be your reign
O'er the hearts of those who enter your domain.
We flaunt your praises to the sky
Webster dear old Webster
We sound your name from dome to dome.
Dear old Webster
How sweet the thought of you, our home,
You've captured our hearts,
May we be true to you.
Dear Webster!
In 1945, a new alma mater emerged from a contest held in conjunction with a spring musical production called "In Search of a Song". One stated purpose of the event was "a search for a new song which will typify Webster."3 A later article mentions that students throughout Webster were trying their hand at writing a song "that will express the spirit of W.C., and will compete favorably with the other songs and music to be performed".4 A student handbook reported that the contest was decided by a board of judges which included at least one nun and one priest on the faculty.5
The song contest was won by Inge d'Alquen Huber and Peggy Versen (class of 1945) who wrote a song called "There is a College Called Webster." An interview with the composers ran in the student newspaper a few weeks after the musical.6
By Inge d'Alquen Huber and Peggy Versen (class of 1945)
There is a college called Webster,
Green ivy-clad are her walls,
Long live her laughter forever and after
That echoes through her halls.
Dear Alma Mater of my heart,
Thy spirit proudly sets thee apart.
Thy banner, streaming colors gold and white,
A symbol shining brightly through the night.
The friendships formed in Webster's name Will honor thy glory and fame.
Loyalty, pledg'd to thee
Throughout the far distant years.
As part of Webster's centennial celebration, a contest was held for a new alma mater. Department of Music chair Jeffrey Carter led this spring’s contest, open to submissions from Webster faculty, staff, students and alumni. The winning composition was by Christopher Poetz (Class of 2016), who conducted the first public performance of the song on April 23, 2015.7
We hold you dear and close to our heart,
With strength and pride and wisdom to impart.
We are fond and bound by our diverse community.
Webster U., you are our home.
May laughter always be found within these halls.
May success and achievement be forged within these walls.
May you make every dream a new reality.
Webster U., you are our home.
Acceptance, love, and friendships we’ve made,
With memories had, which shall not fade.
The banner of blue and gold does fly,
heralding our great history on high.
And so, our dear Alma Mater we plea:
Be our home, keep us safe in loving unity.
For to us you will be always something more.
Webster U., you are our home.
1Echoes of the halls. (1928, June 4). The Web, vol. IV, no. 13, p. 2.
2'Dear Webster' bows to the applaud of students and public. (1929, February 13). The Web, vol. V, no. 7, p. 1,7.
3Rehearsals begin for W.C. musicale. (1945, March 9). The Web, vol. XXI, no. 7, p. 1.
4Webster students 'In Search of a Song'. (1945, March 21). The Web, vol. XXI, no. 8, p. 1.
5This is Webster: Campus Guide. Webster Groves, Mo.: Webster College, n.d. (p. 9).
6Convy, Betty, & Riffel, Mary. (1945, April 24). Caught in the Web: Music for millions to come. The Web, vol. XXI, no. 9, p. 3.
7Debut performance of new alma mater. Webster Today, April 27, 2015.
