On September 19, 2006, UMBC celebrated the debut of its alma mater, Our UMBC, during the University's 40th birthday party.

The lyrics to Our UMBC were written by Jari Villanueva, director of bands at UMBC, at the request of Charles Brown, director of athletics. Following a tradition of setting university alma maters to hymns, Villanueva chose the American Hymn by Matthias Keller (1813-1875).

Listen to "Our UMBC," performed by UMBC's Pep Band, directed by Villanueva.

Our UMBC

Hail alma mater! OUR UMBC,
Boldly bearing your colors, the whole world to see,
Striving together in true unity,
Black, gold forever we're reminded of thee,
Proudly we hail to thee, OUR UMBC!

Throughout the ages, OUR UMBC,
Songs and memories still echo with true clarity,
Knowledge and wisdom and truth we found here,
Friendships we treasure that will last through the years,
Proudly we hail to thee, OUR UMBC!

Music by Matthias Keller
Words by Jari Villanueva
Arranged by Jari Villanueva