Stevens, Vernon T. (1892-1953) | University of Illinois Archives

Vernon Thompson Stevens (1892-1953) was an alumus and composer from the University of Illinois. Born and raised in Jolliet, Illinois, Stevens graduated from Joliet High School. During his time at the University of Illinois, Stevens played flute and tenor saxophone for the University Band under Albert Austin Harding for all four years of his studies; composed six fight songs for the University including "For Good Old Illinois," "Let's Go Illinois," "Illinois Forever," "Back Illinois"; was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club; and participated in the University Debate and Peace contests in 1913 and 1914. Stevens graduated in 1915 with a degree in business.

Soon after, he began publishing his music through the Illini Music Publishing Co. of Champaign, where he published additional Illinois-themed songs including "The Good Old Songs They Sing at Illinois" and "Illinois, I Love You." In the 1920s, Stevens composed for A.J. Stasny Music Co., in New York City. Following this, Stevens worked for Music Corporation of America. Stevens died in Chicago on February 16, 1953.

"Illinois, I Love You!" Daily Illini (October 14, 1916): 1.

"Verne Stevens Announces Brand New Illinois Song: Latest Effort of Writer Comines All the Old Campus Songs in One," Daily Illini (October 23, 1915): 4.

Illio Yearbook 1915.

Cary Clive Burford, We're Loyal to You, Illinois: The Story of the University of Illinois Bands Under Albert Austin Harding for 43 Years (Danville, Il: The Interstate, 1952): 190, 211.