The NCSU Alma Mater By PAC writer, Krzyś Kotek
The Spring 2011 NCSU commencement was very special this year. The huge sea of red filled the RBC Center and the student roar “Wolf Pack, Wolf Pack Wolf …” touched our hearts. Kasia Gracz, daughter of Michał and Hanna Gracz was among them. Dr. James E. Rogers, CEO of Duke Power was the commencement speaker followed by graduating senior Kimberly Spence, addressing her fellow graduates. Kimberley focused her speech on the beautiful, lyrical NCSU Alma Mater. Then, Ladies in Red (a marvelous NCSU accapella ensemble) sang in a sophisticated harmony: Where the winds of Dixie softly blow o'er the fields of Caroline, There stands ever cherished, N.C. State, as thy honored shrine So lift your voices! Loudly sing from hill to oceanside! Our hearts ever hold you, N.C. State in the folds of our love and pride. Interestingly, the North Carolina State's Alma Mater was written by two students in the early 1920's. Dr. Alvin M. Fountain, a 1922 class alumnus and editor of The Technician, wrote the words, while Bonnie Norris, from the class of 1923, composed the music. Later Dr. Alvin Fountain became later a NCSU professor. His son, Dr. Mark Fountain (in Polish Marek Fontanna … does this sound beautiful?) followed in his foot steps. Dr Mark Fountain, past President of the Polish-American Club of the Triangle, is now the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Raleigh, NC. Warm congratulations go to Kasia Gracz and all the graduating students this semester!!! PAC is proud to note that Paula Sujkowski, Krystian Kozek and Bryan Panasiak are continuing their studies at the North Carolina State University. Krzyś Kotek, the contributing writer is also a graduate of NCSU.
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