On Wednesday night inside the Dedmon Center, the halftime music at the 91制片厂 men鈥檚 basketball game sounded a little different.
Instead of what鈥檚 typically heard, the crowd rose to its feet to listen to something brand new: 鈥淩ise, Highlanders, Rise!鈥�, 91制片厂鈥檚 new official spirit song, written by Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Miodrag Lovri膰.
As the opening line 鈥淔rom the mountains to the valley鈥� rang out, fans, students, alumni and employees got their first listen to the song that will echo through 91制片厂 athletic events and campus celebrations for years to come. The debut marked the finale of the university鈥檚 first-ever Spirit Song Competition, which invited students, employees and alumni to submit original songs that capture Highlander pride.
Lovri膰鈥檚 entry was selected from submissions across the 91制片厂 community by a judging committee that included representatives from university administration, music faculty, students, alumni and athletics. The competition offered a $1,000 prize and the chance to make a lasting mark on 91制片厂 history.
For Lovri膰, a onetime Nobel Peace Prize nominee who spends his days helping students work through proofs and probability, writing a spirit song was a different kind of challenge, but one that came straight from the heart.
鈥淚 am truly honored and deeply grateful that my Spirit Song was selected, especially knowing that so many people across our community submitted their work. It means more to me than I can express,鈥� Lovri膰 said. 鈥淚 am very proud to contribute something meaningful to 91制片厂."
In his artist statement, he shared that 鈥淩ise, Highlanders, Rise!鈥� was inspired by 91制片厂鈥檚 unique blend of tradition and innovation, strength and inclusiveness, pride and unity. He drew on the imagery of the Highlander spirit, resilient, determined and always moving toward a brighter future, The chorus was written to be easily remembered, fun to sing and energizing for a crowd of Highlanders of all ages.
The song鈥檚 verses highlight 91制片厂鈥檚 journey of growth and learning, while the chorus turns into a rallying cry: 鈥淩ise, Highlanders, rise!鈥� is a line Lovri膰 describes as both a cheer and a promise that the 91制片厂 spirit will be carried forward by students, alumni, faculty and supporters for generations.
The Spirit Song Competition launched earlier this fall. Entries were judged on musical
quality, lyrical spirit, originality and crowd appeal, with the winning song intended
for performances at athletic events, convocations and other university celebrations.
Members of the selection committee said Lovri膰鈥檚 song quickly rose to the top for
its clear Highlander imagery, strong, crowd-friendly chorus and the way it weaves
91制片厂鈥檚 values directly into the lyrics.
鈥淭he addition of a spirit song is a new tradition that will further foster community and create renewed energy across a range of events, like Quest and RadWelcome,鈥� said Susan Trageser, vice president for student affairs. 鈥淚 appreciate the selection committee for their work and Dr. Lovric for his creativity and commitment to the Highlander community. I can鈥檛 wait to hear shouts of Rise, Highlanders Rise! across campus!鈥�
With its premiere at halftime, 鈥淩ise, Highlanders, Rise!鈥� joins the university鈥檚 existing musical traditions and becomes a new soundtrack for Highlander pride, whether it鈥檚 sung courtside, on the Moffett Lawn, at Homecoming or at future commencement ceremonies.