The entire campus is invited to take part in the new Alma Mater tradition at noon on the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 23.

"We wanted to create a new shared experience as a campus community that welcomes everyone to campus for the fall semester," said Lori Lander, assistant vice chancellor for campus life and associate dean of students. "Starting a new academic year is an important moment, and marking life's important moments brings meaning and creates memories that inspires a sense of connection. The focus of this new tradition will be on the transition into a new academic year that brings all of us together - students, staff and faculty."

On the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 23, at noon, everyone should stop what they are doing and, if possible, go outside and listen to the carillon in Old Main's bell tower. The chimes will strike 12  times and then play the first verse of the Alma Mater. As the last line, "mother of mothers, we sing unto you" plays, everyone will extend their right arm with a pointed finger in the air and make circles with the syllables of the line and end with their finger pointing at Old Main.    

No one seems to know exactly when the pointing to Old Main started during football games in Don W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. But the tradition is expanding to the first day of classes, and is appropriate as we celebrate 150 years of the U of A.

The first verse of the U of A Alma Mater:

"Pure as the dawn on the brow of thy beauty  

Watches thy Soul from the mountains of God.    

Over the fates of thy children departed  

Far from the land where their footsteps have trod.   

Beacon of hope in the ways dreary lighted  

Pride of our hearts that are loyal and true.   

From those who adore unto one who adores us  

Mother of Mothers, we sing unto you. " 

Alma Mater Tradition: 

1.       Stop what you are doing and listen.  

2.       Feel free to sing along and sway. 

3.       As the last line "mother of mothers, we sing unto you" plays, point toward Old Main and sing with gusto. 

Printed traditions cards with the Alma Mater lyrics are available and can be found at front desks of residence halls, Union A6 floor in the ASG area, Union information desk, Multicultural Center and at Hillfest. Additionally, our Razorback traditions can be found at the Traditions web site.

Hillfest will be taking place Monday between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library. Any student, faculty or staff who want to hear instructions for the Alma Mater Tradition as it unfolds can attend Hillfest. Otherwise people should take part wherever you are.

"It's simple - stop, listen and point," said Charles Robinson, Interim chancellor. "This is an exciting new tradition for the first day of the Fall semester. It's the shared experiences, no matter how simple, that help create connections and a sense of belonging among us as Razorbacks."