This song of praise (originally a Latin Hymn written by French composer, Charles Gounod) has long 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, arranged the music, provided words, and published the new version of the song he called “Varsity Toast.”
It is rare 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 wave” which has made performance of this alma mater one of the most thrilling sights and sounds to be found in any stadium in the world.