Alma Mater is an expression used by a student or graduate to refer to his/her university or college.
The Latin words mean “fostering mother”. The words to the Alma Mater were written by
Susan B. Dudley,
wife of the second president, James Benson Dudley. Music for the poem was composed by
Charles E. Stewart, an A&T music professor. The refrain “…from Dare to Cherokee” expresses Mrs. Dudley’s true sentiments
about North Carolina A&T and the students. Dare County is the farthest to the east, projecting into
the Atlantic Ocean and the farthest west is Cherokee, resting in the Appalachian Mountains.
The objective was to draw students from as many counties as possible by setting a system of “state students”.
This refrain became the watchword for recruitment. The song has remained unchanged over the years.
The words still inspire and thrill “AGGIES” – students, faculty, alumni and friends.
NC A&T State University. The Freshman Year of Studies: A Guidebook, 1987, pp. 7-8.
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ALMA MATER
VERSE I
Dear A&T, Dear A&T, a monument indeed,
Around thy base with grateful hearts behold thy students kneel.
We bless the power that gave thee birth to help us in our need,
We’ll ever strive while here on earth all loyalty to yield.
REFRAIN
With joy, with joy, dear A&T, thy students turn from thee
To spread thy trophies year by year from Dare to Cherokee.
VERSE II
Dear A&T, Dear A&T, the signet thou shalt be,
Set by our great old commonwealth, proud boaster of the free
She’d have the record of her worth on granite not inscribed
Nay, let the children of her birth proclaim it by their lives.
VERSE III
Dear A&T, Dear A&T, henceforth our aim shall be,
By precepts wise and deeds more sure to bless the State through thee;
The arts of industry to wield against an idle foe
A harvest rich from ripened fields or what thy students sow.
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