The South Dakota State University Alma Mater, The Yellow and Blue, was the creation of N.E. Hansen, a horticulture professor and the namesake of Hansen Hall, and Francis Haynes who was a music professor. Initially, when Francis Haynes wanted a new song for the college, he sent an ad out in the newspaper calling for a contest for the best song that would be used as the schools alma mater. After receiving zero submissions, Haynes wrote music and Hansen, who was an amateur poet, wrote the words. An interesting thing to note about the lyrics on the original score is that they refer to “S.D.S.C” or South Dakota State College, which was the name of the school until 1964, when it was changed to South Dakota State University. Other than switching the “C’s” for “U’s”, the Yellow and Blue is sung and played the same as it always has been since its publication in 1907.