The History of the Milton Hershey School Alma Mater

In December 1951, the Board of Managers officially received permission to change the name of Hershey Industrial School to Milton Hershey School. This decision was not made lightly; over the years, concern had grown that the word industrial had become increasingly associated with reform schools. The name change not only distanced the school from that connotation but also created the opportunity to establish new traditions, such as the creation of a new Alma Mater. 

The first Alma Mater, written by Robert Evans ’32, was sung to the tune of Anchors Aweigh and was performed for the first time in 1934 at the dedication of the Senior Hall, now known as Catherine Hall. However, by the mid-1950s, school leaders felt it was time for a new song that reflected the school’s new name and moved away from the military style that had been popular during World War II. 

To oversee the project, a special committee was formed. Members included alumni president William Dearden ’40, vice president Melvin Garner ’40, principal William Hammond, teachers Purnell Payne, Virgil Alexander, and Ray Miller, along with the original writer Robert Evans. As the committee continued, it brought on additional alumni and even the professor of music at Lebanon Valley College as consultants. 

After reviewing dozens of melodies and revising lyrics countless times, the committee reached a final version. Purnell Payne, director of the Spartan Orchestra, is credited with composing the music as an adaptation of Beethoven, while Virgil Alexander, director of the MHS Glee Club, is credited with the final lyrics. Nearly a year after the committee’s first meeting, the new Alma Mater was unveiled during Homecoming Weekend in November 1956. 

Its only revision came in 1976, when the Deed of Trust was revised to admit female students. At that time, two lines were updated: 

• “All hail to thee, Milton Hershey; thy loyal sons are we” became “All hail to thee, Milton Hershey; loyal and true are we.” 
• “We’re men of Milton Hershey and vow to that great name” became “We’re proud of Milton Hershey and vow to that great name.” 

Nearly 70 years later, the song remains a proud tradition and a meaningful tribute to our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey. 

Watch the Sing-Along of the Original Alma Mater