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J. Kimball "Kim" Gannon (1900-1974), composer of St. Lawrence’s alma mater, is also the composer of one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. Among many hits he wrote, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is perennially one of the most beloved holiday songs. And each time it’s performed, St. Lawrence benefits, thanks to a provision in Gannon’s will designating a portion of the royalties to the University. In the most recent year for which figures are complete, the amount totaled over $18,000--the approximate equivalent of an average St. Lawrence student scholarship.

University lore has it that Gannon wrote St. Lawrence's alma mater, whose name is simply “Alma Mater,” in the fall of his senior year, on his landlady's piano. He graduated in 1924. “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” first recorded in October 1943, by Bing Crosby, touched the hearts of Americans during the depths of World War II. 

Gannon also wrote for films and Broadway. Among well-known songs are "I Understand" (1940), "Moonlight Cocktail" (1942), "A Dreamer's Holiday" (1949), "Under Paris Skies" (1953) and 1960's "I Want to Be Wanted."

Gannon garnered three Academy Award nominations for Best Song: "Always in My Heart," from the film of the same name, in 1942; "Too Much in Love," from Song of the Open Road, in 1944; and "Endlessly," from Earl Carroll Vanities, in 1945.