A CMU song to boost pride, connection

Yes, Central Michigan University has a fight song. You hear it, and maybe even sing it alongside fellow fans, at CMU sporting events. But what about a song that inspires pride in CMU away from athletic events?

Will Anderson, College of the Arts and Media faculty member, is working to create such a song with the help of a $5,000 Go Grant aligned with strategic priority three of CMU’s strategic plan, to enhance organizational culture. The idea is to have a song that could be used for CMU events, social media, and more.

“I thought I could write a really cool way to help represent CMU and tell about all of the really wonderful things here,” Anderson said. “This song is designed to be one people can sing along with, and it really helps show all the good things about CMU. I think there are so many good things here.”

The work-in-progress tune revolves around the theme of “all roads lead you home to Central.”

Gabe Schall, a Saginaw junior majoring in commercial music, is helping Anderson produce the song. Together, they recorded a demo version in July in a Moore Hall studio. Schall said he enjoys the collaborative experience.

“This isn't really something that I ever expected to get an opportunity to do. I'm a fairly integral part of this,” Schall said. “It's a very ‘learn it by doing it’ thing. I'm grateful for the opportunities to practice this stuff. I've already gotten a lot better at setting up all the recording equipment and working in the studio, producing and mixing.”

Anderson said the project is helping Schall grow his skillset while also demonstrating some of the deep applications within CMU’s commercial music program.

Student involvement in the project is important to Anderson. He hopes to get CMU’s marching band involved, as well as student vocalists, Moore Media Records, Central Beats and CMU’s Guitar Club.

He even plans to work with faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance to create an interpretive dance to go along with the song.

“Ideally, you have something that becomes a way to signal to the outside world, ‘hey, it's this secret thing that we share’,” he said.

Creation of a CMU song is one of 27 initiatives funded through Go Grants in support of advancing progress on CMU’s strategic plan. In May of 2025, a total of $575,000 was awarded to projects based on their potential to positively impact the university and community.

Go Grants in Action is a year-long series that shares the stories of how CMU students, faculty and staff are making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve through the Go Grants initiative.