For more than 70 years, generations of Keystone students and alumni have gathered at College ceremonies and events to sing the words of the Keystone Alma Mater. But until recently, many of us may not have known the story, or the person, behind those words.
That changed when Marlene Chase Wrigley, Class of 1953, returned to campus for a special visit with her niece, Sharon Mahar Potter.
During her visit, Marlene sat down with Performance Music Director Jeff Tylutki and revealed something remarkable: she wrote the lyrics to Keystone’s Alma Mater as a student more than seven decades ago.
When Marlene attended Keystone in the early 1950s, the school did not yet have an Alma Mater. Students were encouraged to submit ideas, and Marlene decided to give it a try.
Her inspiration was personal.
Marlene’s father passed away when she was young, and her mother raised Marlene and her sister on her own. Attending Keystone gave Marlene opportunities she might not otherwise have had, and she wanted the lyrics to express her gratitude for the education and possibilities Keystone provided.
Her words were later set to music by longtime Keystone employee Mary Dower, creating the Alma Mater that continues to be sung at College ceremonies today.
A Tradition That Endures
Marlene never imagined that the lyrics she wrote as a Keystone student would still be part of College traditions more than 70 years later.
“Keystone has always held a special place in my heart,” Marlene said.
Her Keystone education helped her continue her studies, earn a bachelor’s degree in education and build a rewarding career as a high school teacher.
“When I wrote those lyrics, I never imagined they would still be sung more than 70 years later,” she said. “Knowing they remain part of Keystone’s traditions and ceremonies is both humbling and gratifying. It brings back wonderful memories and makes me smile.”
For Tylutki, the Alma Mater represents a connection to Keystone’s history and the values that continue to shape the College.
“For me, the Alma Mater is a connection to the foundational elements of Keystone, and to our rich history,” Tylutki said.
That connection is particularly meaningful to Tylutki, whose father was part of the Keystone community in 1969 and gathered with students each day in front of Harris Hall for a message of encouragement.
While much has changed in higher education since Marlene’s time at Keystone, Tylutki believes traditions such as the Alma Mater can continue to serve as reminders of the values that endure.
“Progress through effort… pledging one’s life towards a greater purpose—these messages within our motto and indeed the Alma Mater can serve as guides for us as custodians of Keystone’s future, and for our students,” he said.
Tylutki was honored to finally meet the person behind the words.
“I was truly honored to meet Marlene as the author of these meaningful words,” he said.
Today, when the Keystone community sings its Alma Mater, we now know the story behind it: a student who wanted to express her gratitude for the opportunities Keystone gave her created words that would go on to become part of the College’s history.
More than seven decades later, Marlene’s words are still bringing Keystone together.
Keystone College Alma Mater
Hail Alma Mater, our voices are raised to thee.
Of you, Alma Mater, our praises will ever be.
To Keystone College, we give our thanks anew.
We go forth and promise, to pledge our lives to you!
Hail Alma Mater, endeavor shall be our creed.
For you, Alma Mater, by virtue ever lead.
To Keystone College, we give our thanks anew.
We go forth and promise, to pledge our lives to you!
