Northern Michigan University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and Upper Peninsula residents to submit original alma mater compositions in recognition of its 125th anniversary celebration in 2024. An alma mater is traditionally a short-form musical piece with lyrics pertaining to the university's distinctive elements, and is used at official events such as commencement. Selected creations will be eligible for monetary awards of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.
Northern is looking for an uplifting alma mater that reflects the “NMU Experience” of today in a song that is easy to sing and remember. Submissions should include the following: original lyrics and/or music (no AI creations or public domain pieces); a minimum of one verse and a maximum of three; and a mention of Northern Michigan University, Northern and/or NMU.
The entry deadline is 5 p.m. EST Friday, March 15. Entrants must be 18 years or older. For more information on the typical characteristics of an alma mater, selection criteria, guidelines for lyrics and entry requirements, visit nmu.edu/125.