Today’s question (with apologies to Lin-Manuel Miranda):
“How does a state school, great jewel,
born out of academic excellence, diversity, and service,
dropped in the middle of a begotten spot
on the Mississippi River,
despite challenges deliver?”
Greetings, Warriors! 2016
(with Apologies to Roger Angell and Ian Frazier)
Greetings, Warriors! Times are tough
But we are made of sturdy stuff.
It’s a challenge, to be truthful,
But these students keep us youthful.
The world would be much dimmer, man,
Without Ms. Nicole Zimmerman.
Need a good idea-seeder?
Look no further than Chris Veeder!
There’s no doubt that we’re progenitors
Of outstanding Student Senators.
There’s no doubt the students need us …
Let’s admit they also lead us.
Want discussions that go deep?
Makes friends with the Council of KEAP.
So FORGE ahead! And make a chum!
Spend some time with Full Spectrum!
Watch a sport! See a play! Exert
Yourself to hear a fine concert!
Whilst on this campus, shame on you,
If you can’t find something to do!
Make some noise! Up those whoops
In support of student groups!
Students! They are the reason why.
Their gift to us: they edify
The work we do in these rough times
As we dream of warmer climes.
That’s the why, but what’s the how?
Who’s the tiller at the plough?
Student learning, our core mission,
Helps all this come to fruition.
Thank you teachers, thank you coaches,
Thank you, staff, for your approaches!
Thank you, every last advisor,
Helping make each student wiser!
Thank you, all IT insiders,
All eWarrior providers.
To rise above adversity:
Inclusion and Diversity!
And to all Advancement staff
“Thanks!” shall be your epitaph.
Thanks to all Deans, and let’s accrue
Thanks to each GMW!
Thanks to Cabinet, and let’s bless
Res Life, TRIO, each OAS,
Chartwells, Wellness, Kryzsko, the Libe!
Thank you, every scholar and scribe.
Each toils to max capacity
Embodying veracity!
Truth be told, deep in December,
Warmth and light are but an ember.
Past the solstice Wintertide,
In darkness bitter: please abide,
Look out toward the break of dawn.
Bravely now to soldier on
Toward the light. ‘Cause here’s the thing:
Soon comes the Dawning of the Spring,
Arising, Equinox Vernal,
Sigil of values eternal:
All things equal and all things fair,
All things honest. And so, forbear:
All motives pure, all gestures kind,
All places warm, all goals aligned.
So banish fear, and banish dread,
Let all things cold be banish’ed,
For soon a brighter day will dawn.
Winona State will carry on.
In short (with renewed apologies to Mr. Miranda):
We’re just like dawn’s break,
We’re bright, light, and wide awake,
And we are not throwing away our spot!
