The Ohio Dominican Alma Mater

Learn it. Sing it.

Even people who never attended Ohio State can sing the words to Carmen Ohio, but how many students, faculty staff, and alumni at Ohio Dominican know the Ohio Dominican alma mater?

The song (simply titled "Alma Mater") used to be a regular part of life on the Ohio Dominican campus.

In days gone by, students memorized the song and it was frequently sung by students, faculty, and staff at luncheons in the Colonial Room of Sansbury Hall and at Convocation.

Sister Thomas Albert Corbett (Class of '35) recalls that it was sung at almost any formal event or assembly. "It was a familiar part of life at the time," Sister T.A. said.

Exactly who wrote the Ohio Dominican Alma Mater and when remains a mystery. The most likely scenario, according to former students and faculty is that it was written sometime in the 30s by two students at the time. It is believed that Janet Leppert (Class of '39) wrote the words and Sister Francis Borgia Lally (Class of '29) is most likely the person who wrote the music. Unfortunately, both ladies have passed away, and the records are sketchy, so we may never know for sure.

Betty Biggert (Class of '37) was a good friend of Janet Leppert and says she's almost certain Janet wrote the lyrics. "She was very proud of that." Mrs. Biggert said.

Janet Leppert was known as a great writer and graduated in 1939 with a B.A. in art. She worked as an executive assistant for years, and was avid traveler. Sister Francis was known as a great musician and graduated with a B.A. in music in 1929.

In the last few decades, the Ohio Dominican Alma Mater has rarely been sung. Usually, it is only heard at class reunions of alumni/ae who attended years ago when it was popular.

Help bring the Ohio Dominican Alma Mater back to life. Learn the Alma Mater.