McELWAIN, Warren

MCELWAIN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/23/2016 at 14:11:21

Biography - Warren McElwain
Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa

Warren McElwain was born in Lansford, North Dakota, on January 25, 1904.

Warren made his mark in Graceland history by composing the college pep song Graceland Forever in 1925 when he was a student. Warren was inspried to write the piece fo9llowing a chapel convocation featuring college songs during which it was suggested that Gracelanders create a song for the college. The tune came to Warren during a drem and, although he forgot it when he awoke, he was able to slowly recall the march's composition later and added lyrics to it. Graceland Forever was the only song he ever wrote and published.

GRACELAND FOREVER
Graceland Forever, dear Alma Mater
Long may she ever firm keep her stand.
Her sons and daughters carry to others
Her fame throughout the land, Rah, rah, rah.
Graceland, Graceland, we're all for you,
Strong, united, loyal and true.
We'll carry on 'til victory is won,
Oh, Graceland, we're all for you!

After completing his junior year at Graceland in 1925-26, Warren taught high school in North Dakota for several years, was employed for 18 years as an inspector for Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California, and was an inspector for the Jet propulsion Laboratory for five years.
Warren said that if he had been given the opportunity earlier in life that he would have chosen music as his life's work.

Warren died on August 28, 1989, Independence, Missouri.

SOURCES:
Edwards, Paul M. "The Hilltop Where. . . . An Informal History of Graceland College." p. 71. Venture Foundation. Lamoni IA. 1972.

Goehner, David. “The Graceland College Book of Knowledge: From A To Z.” Pp. 425-26. Herald House. Independence MO. 1997.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2016

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