Adopted in 1904 as a school song. In 1945, the Minnesota State Legislature approved the tune as a state anthem. The lyrics of the second verse of the University version honoured the second school's president of the University of Minnesota. An State Anthem of Minnesota. And the school song of the University of Minnesota For anyone wondering why is the flag is different it is because the flag was updated a few months ago. University version was found under the state version lyrics Lyrics: (State version) Minnesota, Hail to Thee, Hail to Thee, our state so dear, Thy light shall ever be A beacon bright and clear. Thy sons and daughters true Will proclaim Thee near and far. They shall guard Thy fame and adore Thy name; Thou shalt be their Northern Star! ---------- University version lyrics: (Used in the University of Minnesota) Minnesota, Hail to Thee! Hail to Thee, our College dear! Thy light shall ever be A beacon bright and clear. Thy sons and daughters true Will proclaim Thee near and far. They will guard Thy fame And adore Thy name; Thou shalt be their Northern Star!