Did you know that the literal translation of "alma mater" actually means "bounteous mother?" Did you know our Middle and Upper School Alma Mater was composed by our very own Sister M. Aloysius Peach? 

 In the first couple of lines we sing about "the lamp of learning." As you approach the Franklin Street entrance to our beautiful Anna Frances Raskob Auditorium, stop and focus your eyes above the door. You will notice a genie lamp resting on a book etched into the façade of the building. The ancient symbolism of the genie lamp represents the potential dreams one can unleash. The genie lamp resting on the book of learning adds a further layer of symbolism. It is through one's quest for knowledge that dreams can be attained. It is no coincidence that Sister Peach chose to write about the "lamp of learning" standing beside "our colors, red and white." According to Sister Peach, our wishes and dreams must be grounded in two important facets of our life - knowledge; represented by the lamp, and faith; represented by the colors "red and white." Red is symbolic of the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the church. The color white is symbolic of purity and new life. The alma mater further refers to the "lamp of truth a-gleaming and love that cannot die" as a symbol of the love of Christ that will never die. For an Ursuline student, it is their faith and knowledge, coupled with "serviam," that has the potential of transforming the world into a place of peace and love for all.