2008 Woodie Awards
The significance of "My Ottawa"
Laura Reed
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Campus
Ottawa University's anthem, also called an alma mater, is "My Ottawa," a song composed by JB Cramer in the 19th century with words by Franklin Johnson, university president from 1890 to 1892.
Steven McDonald, assistant professor and orchestra coordinator, is a fan of the alma mater.
"I think that it speaks about the college's aspects and things for students to remember when they leave here. Also, it has all the elements of the school crest in it, and has a little saying for each piece of the crest," McDonald said. "The music was written by a famous composer, who is very well known. I don't think the music was written specifically for the university but it goes great with the words."
"My Ottawa" talks about the surrounding area, as well, specifically mentioning the Marais des Cygnes River and "fair scenes of field and sky," calling up images of the Kansas state seal.
The alma mater is typically performed on special occasions, like graduation and both spring and fall convocations, and though students, alumni and faculty are asked to sing along, few know the entire song.
"I don't mind singing the alma mater at special occasions, like we did during Welcome Week for freshman, but I personally would like to know it better," Lindsey Fenton, freshman, said.
Galen Bunning, director of alumni relations, feels that "My Ottawa" is good for the university.
"I think the song addresses many of the attributes that we hold to as a university. The final line in the song, I think, is a large part of how we educate our students as citizens in a global community," Bunning said.
Steven McDonald, assistant professor and orchestra coordinator, is a fan of the alma mater.
"I think that it speaks about the college's aspects and things for students to remember when they leave here. Also, it has all the elements of the school crest in it, and has a little saying for each piece of the crest," McDonald said. "The music was written by a famous composer, who is very well known. I don't think the music was written specifically for the university but it goes great with the words."
"My Ottawa" talks about the surrounding area, as well, specifically mentioning the Marais des Cygnes River and "fair scenes of field and sky," calling up images of the Kansas state seal.
The alma mater is typically performed on special occasions, like graduation and both spring and fall convocations, and though students, alumni and faculty are asked to sing along, few know the entire song.
"I don't mind singing the alma mater at special occasions, like we did during Welcome Week for freshman, but I personally would like to know it better," Lindsey Fenton, freshman, said.
Galen Bunning, director of alumni relations, feels that "My Ottawa" is good for the university.
"I think the song addresses many of the attributes that we hold to as a university. The final line in the song, I think, is a large part of how we educate our students as citizens in a global community," Bunning said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Anne (Craig) Manna
posted 11/18/08 @ 2:46 PM CST
37 years after graduation I can still sing the whole first verse!
Galen Bunning
posted 11/19/08 @ 3:58 PM CST
The last line that is referenced above - "May thousands to thee flow, and thousands from thee go to heal earth's sin and woe, My Ottawa."
I believe that to still be true. (Continued…)
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