About The Torch Archive

The Torch is the student-published newspaper at Valparaiso University. This digital collection, created from the University Archives' microfilm and print holdings, spans from 1914 to approximately one year ago. For more recent issues, please visit the current Torch site.

The Scorch Tradition

Since April 1, 1949 (April Fools' Day), student editors have published The Scorch, a satirical parody of The Torch. This tradition continues to the present day.

Collection Notes

Due to historical publication practices, volume and issue numbers may not follow a consistent sequence. Some editions, individual issues, or pages within issues may be missing or damaged.

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Historical Content Advisory

All copies of The Torch have been digitized without redaction to preserve historical accuracy. Some images and terminology from past issues may reflect attitudes, language, or depictions that are offensive and do not represent the values of Valparaiso University today.

The Archives and Special Collections Department is committed to maintaining the integrity of historical publications while acknowledging that past content may be harmful or disturbing. We encourage researchers to consider these materials within their historical context and welcome dialogue about how we present and interpret our institutional history.

For information about the professional guidelines used in our practices please see the American Library Association (ALA)'s Library Bill of Rights; the ALA's Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights; and the Society of American Archivists (SAA)'s Core Values Statement and Code of Ethics.

If you have questions or wish to discuss material you encounter, please email the Archives and Special Collections Department at university.archives@valpo.edu.