Alma Mater
Mother So Dear
The first time a Demon Deacon sings the alma mater is at New Student Convocation—the first formal gathering that celebrates an entire new Wake Forest class—but there are no rules on the number of times you can sing thereafter. A nod to Mother So Dear, the alma mater is sung at the end of each large university event and after an athletic win.
Dear Old Wake Forest,
Thine is a Noble Name;
Thine is a Glorious Fame,
Constant and True.
We Give Thee of Our Praise,
Adore Thine Ancient Days,
Sing Thee Our Humble Lays,
MOTHER, SO DEAR
Dear Old Wake Forest,
Mystic Thy Name to Cheer;
Be Thou Our Guardian Near Fore’er and Aye.
We Bow Before Thy Shrine,
Thy Brow With Bays Entwine,
All Honor Now Be Thine,
MOTHER, TODAY.
By George W. Paschal,
Class of 1892 (Thuringian Folk Song)
“There are only two times each year when I have the opportunity to speak to an entire class of Wake Forest students in one space: opening convocation and graduation on Hearn Plaza in May. Now, there are many other times when we will be together, but it is only these two times devoted especially to your class…”
– President Susan R. Wente, New Student Convocation, 2024