Our Alma Mater
Hampton University’s alma mater was written by Hampton University, then- Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, alum Sarah Collins Fernandis, class of 1882. In 1927, those words were then put to music composed by Hampton University alum, Chauncey Northern, class of 1924.
O Hampton, a thought sent from Heaven above,
To be a great soul’s inspiration;
We sing thee the earnest of broad human love,
The shrine of our heart’s adoration.
Thy foundation firm and thy roof tree out spread,
And thy sacred altar-fires burning,
The sea circling ’round thee, soft skies overhead,
Dear Hampton, the goal of our yearning!
Refrain
O Hampton, we never can make thee a song
Except as our lives do the singing,
In service that will thy great spirit prolong,
And send it through centuries ringing!
Kind mother, we’ll treasure the dear happy days
We’ve spent here in life’s preparation,
Yet go with brave hearts upon our chosen ways,
Of service to God and our nation.
Still wearing thy colors, the blue and the white,
As pledge that our fond hearts will cherish
A love which for thee ever shines true and bright,
A loyalty that ne’er can perish!
Music by: Chauncey Northern, 1924
