Write the lyrics to FIU’s ‘Alma Mater’ and win $1,000

You have the opportunity to be part of Panther history. FIU is getting a new “Alma Mater” and you can be its lyricist.

Music Professor Clair McElfresh wrote and composed the current Alma Mater in 1975.

The “Alma Mater” Committee is looking for a song that conveys FIU’s energy, optimism and diversity. Students, faculty, staff, retirees and alumni are invited to submit entries; group entries are allowed. The piece should be no fewer than 40 words and no more than 75 words.

The winner will receive $1,000.

The current “Alma Mater” was written and composed in 1975 by Professor Clair McElfresh, with orchestration by Philip Fink, chair of the music department at the time. It was rededicated on Nov. 3, 1988, with the line “FIU Alma Mater, Hail, Hail to Thee” added at the end.

For more information on the competition, visit the “Alma Mater” website. The deadline to submit your entry is Tuesday, April 10, at 5 p.m.