Alma mater
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Alma mater (pronounced 'ælmə 'meɪtə(r) in British English; usu. It was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele[1], and in Medieval Christianity for the Virgin Mary. In modern times, it is often a school, college, or university attended during one's formative years[1], which is usually interpreted to mean from where one earned one's first degree or doctorate, or both.[2] In US-American English, it may also be used in reference to the high school from which an individual has graduated.
The term may also refer to a song or hymn associated with a university or college[3].
The expression is rarely used other than in the singular, but if required the Latin plural is almae matres.
On the campus of Columbia University on the steps of Low Library there is a well known bronze statue of Alma Mater by Daniel Chester French. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also has an Alma Mater statue.
The University of Bologna adopted the motto Alma Mater Studiorum (meaning "Nourishing Mother of Studies") in 2000[4].
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- Definition of alma mater at Merriam-Webster Online
