The “Victory Swing” was written by Richmond College alumni Nathan Oppleman (music) and John P. Batkins (lyrics) in the fall of 1930.  Shortly thereafter, the student body voted to adopt it as an official University of Richmond song, and President F.W. Boatwright arranged for its publication.  In the meantime, students were instructed to learn the lyrics that were posted on bulletin boards, so they could be ready to sing the song at football games.

The catchy song became quite popular, and in 1931 it was played by the United States Marine Band on board the U. S. M. S. PanAmerica sailing from New York City to Rio de Janeiro.  According to The Collegian, “after hearing ‘The Victory Swing’ played, Commander George Rose would not let the band play any other piece.”