Alma Mater

University Traditions

The story of Dear Bucknell told by its creator, Samuel Sears Merriman, Class of 1886:

When the Bucknell song book was in the making, the editors wrote asking me to contribute two or three numbers. About the same time Professor Perrine was visiting me, and urged me to write something that could be used as an Alma Mater song, clinching his request with the words, "You can do it, Sam." A fellow can do almost anything that someone in whose judgment he has confidence believes he can. So I wrote Dear Bucknell. I did it after a critical analysis of the requirements of such a song, the association of ideas that would have an appeal for those to whom, at the thought of Alma Mater, would "Memories fond come trooping by." I wrote it after having chosen as a fit vehicle of the appeal, that tender melody of German student origin, better known as a Yale "Drinking Song," its easy voice range being a strong point in its favor. Deliberately and with careful discrimination I drew, mentally, my plans and specifications, then tackled the task; and concentration and perspiration did the rest; and if that coordination doesn't spell "inspiration," why should we accept the oft-quoted dictum that "Genius is the infinite capacity for taking pains?" When I looked at the creation that "came out of the fire" in the face I named it Dear Bucknell, and, after I'd sat down at the piano and sung it through, I felt confident of its ability to take care of itself and win a welcome wherever good fellows from Bucknell's sacred fans might congregate. A cordial "Amen" from Dr. Perrine confirmed my faith.