The powerful lyrics, the hearty beats and the pride – nothing evokes school spirit better than an alma mater ­— that is, if students even know it.

The search has begun for a new UW anthem. Students, faculty and alumni are invited to participate in a contest in which they write the lyrics to a new school song.

“We’re trying to create new traditions,” said Chuck Blumenfeld, executive director of the Alumni Association. “We want a song that’s more contemporary.”

The lyrics of the current UW alma mater were written by Riley Allen, class of 1903, with music by George Hager, class of 1909.

Since one of the lines says, “You’re the mother of a mighty race,” the lyrics are a bit outdated, Blumenfeld said. “It’s not very gender-neutral.”

Not only are the lyrics to the song outdated, but it appears that very few students even know them.

“It’s possible that I’ve heard of it before,” freshman Ashley Dugovic said. “But I have no memory of listening to it.”

There are a few perks to the lucky winner of the contest. Not only is there a cash prize of $1000, with a $500 prize for second and third place winners, the music to the lyrics will also be composed by Oscar and five-time Emmy Award winner Bill Conti, who wrote the music to the Rocky sequels.

“How many people get the opportunity to write lyrics for Bill Conti?” Blumenfeld said.

Thus far, the contest has received great feedback.

“Within the first few days, we’ve had literally hundreds of submissions,” Kravas said.

The new song, which should be announced sometime during autumn quarter 2008, will not replace the current alma mater or the other official school fight song, “Bow Down to Washington.”

It will just be an addition, said Connie Kravas, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.

“You don’t have to put something down to create something new,” she said. “Ours (the UW alma mater) is complicated, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn it.”

Kravas compared having the new UW song to “American the Beautiful” and the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Although “America the Beautiful” is not the national anthem, it is still widely recognized. People can also distinguish when to sing it instead of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” she said.

The selection committee, compromising students, faculty and alumni, is looking for verses that will reflect the nature of the UW and will help connect alumni, faculty and students to campus.

“College is such a special time and this campus is so beautiful,” Kravas said. “We want something that is nostalgic and shows what a special place this is.”

Submissions must include two verses and one recurring chorus following each verse. The deadline for the submissions is May 28.

“What a great way to be immortalized,” Blumenfeld said.

Both Kravas and Blumenfeld hope the song will appeal to all students so that it will be memorable.

“We want a song that should make you feel good now and 50 years from now,” Kravas said.