by Jim Henry and Lynn Staley, 2023
I came to you a seeker
a student at your gate
unsure of my future
or how long I would wait
to feel I was strong
and could use what I knew
but I listened and studied
and through learning I grew.
Refrain:
Red and gold, I give thanks for where
my journey has brought me
for memories I carry today and every day
for the courage to grow and the knowledge
you’ve taught me
and the people whose paths have crossed
my path along the way.
I came to you a teacher
with knowledge to share
and stories and theories
to discuss and compare.
Then I found that my students
had strong voices too
so I listened and learned
and through teaching I grew.
Refrain:
Red and gold, I give thanks for where
my journey has brought me
for memories I carry today and every day
for the courage to grow and the knowledge
you’ve taught me
and the people whose paths have crossed
my path along the way.
I came to you a mentor
a worker, a friend
a parent, advisor
with knowledge to lend.
I look on with pride
at all you achieve.
Here at UMSL, you matter
and in you we believe.
Refrain:
Red and gold, we give thanks for where
our journey has brought us
for memories we carry, today and every day
for the courage to grow and the knowledge
you’ve taught us
and the people whose paths have crossed ours
along the way.
Lynn Staley, PhD, (she/they) is a Teaching Professor in the Department of English and faculty affiliate in Gender Studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She coordinates the Business Writing Program, and is an advocate for community engagement, service-learning, and inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist practices. She writes short fiction and poetry, and is a proud and grateful UMSL alumna and first generation college graduate.
James Henry, PhD, holds degrees in music education, theory, and composition from Washington University. He is Associate Professor and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He is also the musical and artistic director of the international champion chorus, the Ambassadors of Harmony. He sang bass and arranged for two international champion quartets, The Gas House Gang and Crossroads. Dr. Henry has conducted numerous district and state honors choirs and has traveled the world as a conductor, coach, and lecturer. Dr. Henry is a contributing author for the Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music and the Grove Dictionary of American Music. He has received numerous awards for his singing, composing, and teaching, including the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the NAfME “Stand for Music” award for his work on behalf of music education.
