Calvin Alma
Mater Score

Calvin, Calvin, sing we all to thee;
To dear alma mater we pledge fidelity.
Forever faithful to maroon and gold,
Thy name and honor we ever shall uphold!

Calvin, Calvin, God has been thy guide;
Dear alma mater, thy strength He shall provide;
Be loyal ever to the faith of old,
God's name and honor we ever shall uphold!

 
Words: Celia Bruinooge Dik '52
Music: Dale Grotenhuis '53
© Calvin College 1951

Listen to the Calvin Alma Mater
(Midi music file)

Words of Alma Mater still close to heart of 1952 class member Celia Dik—Spark, Fall 2002

Though the Alma Mater unlocks memories for most of us, it touches a special chord in 1952 class member Celia Bruinooge Dik, who penned the words to the tune in 1951.

"I sat in the top row of the Calvin chapel on Franklin Street, all by myself," said Dik, in a 1995 Spark interview. "The words just kind of came to me. They fit the tune exactly. I couldn't improve on them."

Hearing the words sung is gratifying, she said. "It feels wonderful. I'm always amazed that it's still being sung."