About the Yearbook Collection

The digitized yearbook collection spans from the late 1890s to approximately ten years ago, documenting the rich history of Valparaiso University and its predecessor institution, Northern Indiana Normal School.

Yearbook Titles Through History

Throughout its evolution, the university yearbook has been published under several titles:

  • Beacon (1941–present)
  • Uhlan (1934–1940)
  • Record (1911–1933)
  • Class-Specific Annuals (late 1890s–1926) – Named after individual academic programs including Scientific Class, Classic Class, Professional Class, and Medical Department

Related Collections

In the early 20th century, Valparaiso University owned the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, which later became part of Loyola University. Loyola has digitized the Dentos yearbook, including the years under Valparaiso University control. Those yearbooks can be accessed here.

Privacy and Access

This collection maintains a ten-year embargo to protect the privacy of current students and recent graduates.

Browse by Year

Keyword Search

Historical Content Advisory

All yearbooks 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.