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Alma mater is Latin for "nourishing mother". It was used in ancient Rome as a title for the mother goddess, and in Medieval Christianity for the Virgin Mary. This term is taken from the motto ("Alma Mater Studiorum") of the oldest European university, the University of Bologna, in Italy, founded in A.D. 1088, and located in the city of Bologna. In many modern languages it is usually and principally heard as a term of academia; Thus, in the English language, it is used as a sobriquet for the university or college a person has attended. In American English, it is also heard in reference to a high school or elementary school. The word matriculation is derived from the Latin root word mater. The term suggests that the students are fed knowledge and taken care of by the educational institution.
"Alma mater" as song Alma mater is sometimes the incipit of a school's anthem or song, and may be taken as a title for the genre. This use of the term is common in the United States, and less so in other English-speaking countries. In the United States, the term often refers to the entire school song as opposed to simply the opening. The phrase actually appears in one of the best-known of such songs, "Far Above Cayuga's Waters" of Cornell University: Far above Cayuga's waters With its waves of blue Stands our noble alma mater Glorious to view Elvis Presley fored the term in his 1958 movie King Creole. In it was a song called Steadfast, Loyal and True. The lyrics are: Farewell Royal High School; We'll remember you; Dear Alma Mater; We're steadfast, loyal and true; As we go onwards; In the lives we lead; Your light will guide us; We're steadfast, loyal and true; We will look back fondly; At your ivy walls; Recalling precious moments; Within your hallowed halls; Farewell, Royal High School; We'll remember you; Dear alma mater; We're steadfast, loyal, and true; | ||||||||
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