Mary Ann Scarano Hughes and Mary Ann Wuskle Ferland - The Legacy of Holy Family’s Alma Mater
Mary Ann Scarano Hughes ’64 can readily recall the scenario, just not the exact date, when she and cherished Holy Family University classmate and friend Mary Ann Wuskle Ferland ’64 (now deceased) gathered around a piano in the Scarano family home at 1106 Gloria Lane in Yardley, PA to compose an alma mater for their beloved college.
“Mary Ann and I were very musical.,” Hughes said. “As a matter of fact, I went to Holy Family University (College, at that time) to be a music major, only to discover they didn’t offer a music program. Since I thoroughly enjoyed my freshman year biology course, I decided to earn a degree in Biology Education. Mary Ann came from Connecticut and often spent the weekend at my family home in Yardley. On one of her visits, we decided that since Holy Family did not yet have an alma mater, we would attempt to write one. So, we sat together in my mom and dad’s living room and composed what soon evolved as Holy Family’s alma mater. When we returned to campus, we sought and received approval for our musical composition from Herbert Fiss, director of Holy Family’s Glee Club.”
Some 50 years later, the duo finally received credit for crafting the hymn when their class president, Barbara Wagner Strasser, ‘64, noticed at a reunion that the alma mater was included in a program without credit assigned to the authors. She contacted the then-president Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, ‘59, Ph.D. to have the situation rectified. And at 81 years old, Hughes still can break into song to share a beautiful rendition of the anthem that has stayed forever close to her heart.
“We were trying to capture in the lyrics of the alma mater, that, as students, we would remain united and loyal to our teneor votis motto, (I am bound by my responsibilities). Hughes added, “Holy Family was a lovely school and we wanted to ensure that it received our praise and gratitude for all the experiences it provided us.”
Holy Family University Alma Mater
Hail to Thee, dear Alma Mater!
Listen to our song of Praise!
Teaching, loving Mother, hail!
Guardian of our student days.
On our hearts thou hast engraved
Lasting lines of heraldry.
Teneor Votis we proclaim
Through time and eternity.
Loyal students we will be
To our university!
Speaking for Thee in one voice;
In thy glories we rejoice!
Hail to Thee, dear Alma Mater!
Listen to our song of Praise!
Teaching, loving Mother, hail!
Guardian of our student days.
On our hearts thou hast engraved
Lasting lines of heraldry.
Teneor Votis we proclaim
Through time and eternity.
LISTEN TO THE ALMA MATER: holyfamily.edu/alumni/alma-mater