For nearly a century this song of praise (originally a Latin
Hymn entitled Domine Salvam Fac written by the famous French operatic composer, Charles Gounod) has held a special place in the hearts of Wisconsin students, fans, and alumni. It was in 1898 that Henry Dyke Sleeper, a young instructor in the University's School of Music,
adapted Gounod's original work, arranged the music, provided words, and published the new version of the song he called
Varsity Toast. Today it is impossible to attend an official university function without hearing those simple but stirring strains. In 1934, Wisconsin Band Director, Ray Dvorak, introduced the now famous "arm swinging" which has made performance of this alma mater one of the most thrilling "sights" as well as sounds to be found in any stadium in the world.
Lyrics
Varsity! Varsity!
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin,
Praise to thee we sing!
Praise to thee, our Alma Mater,
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin!
Listen To Varsity: