To hear a performance of this song, go to Lavery Library, St. John Fischer: Alma Mater. Performed by the St. John Fisher College Glee Club in 1969, under the direction of H. Wendall Howard.EXPLANATION OF THE GLOSSING SYSTEM
(to understand how I describe the signs in this translation).
1. YOU MOTHER COLLEGE, PLEASE GUIDE US EVERY WAY.
WE THRILLED HONOR YOU. YOUR NAME WE PRAISE.
WE CHERISH YOUR BUILDLING+. WHY? INSIDE WE LEARN THROUGH FAITH PURE LIGHT.
OUR LIFE ITSELF WE OFFER-UP (pause) FOR GOD, FOR TRUTH, FOR RIGHT.
2. WE S-J-F STUDENT ALWAYS STEADFAST.
WITH FAITH OUR SHIELD AND ARMOR FIGHT BAD INFLUENCE ANY PLACE.
WE REMEMBER THAT GOAL ALWAYS. SAME HERE OR FAR-AWAY.
S-J-F STUDENT ALWAYS LIVE (pause) FOR RIGHT, FOR TRUTH, FOR GOD.
Notes: PURE - like NICE but the DH moves backwards slightly on the palm, pauses, then moves forward rapidly to show intensity.
STEADFAST - Elbow of DH [S] is placed firmly in the palm of NDH [B].
SHIELD - NDH [B], PO > signer, FO > DS, is held close to the body, and the DH is [5], PO away, FO up, and held further away. The DH circles CCW as seen by signer as if there is something there to be shielded from. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - shield.
ARMOR - (2h)[B^], POs > face, FOs ><, DH taps on NDH from above like WINDOW but is held close to the face to mimic the visor of a suit of armor.
Lyrics:
1. Ave, Alma Mater!
Guide In all our ways,
We joyfully salute you
And hail your name with praise.
Beneath your hallowed towers,
We learned in faith's pure light
To dedicate our very lives
To God, to Truth, to Right.
2. Loyal Fisher students
Ever steadfast stand
With faith our shield and armor
'Gainst evil's hostile hand.
Be this the thought to guide us
At home or far abroad
That Fisher students ever live
For right, for Truth, for God.
To hear a performance of this song, go to Lavery Library, St. John Fischer: Alma Mater. Performed by the St. John Fisher College Glee Club in 1969, under the direction of H. Wendall Howard.
