Pacific University Index: A History of Campus Journalism
For over a century, the Pacific University Index has served as a vital record of student life and academic discourse. Established in the late 19th century, the publication evolved from a modest monthly newsletter into a recognized voice of student journalism, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of its era.
Early Years and Growth
The Pacific University Index began its journey in 1893 as a monthly publication. By 1899, the paper had expanded to 16 pages with a circulation of 275 readers, available via a subscription cost of 50 cents.
As the publication matured, it began experimenting with unique student services. In March 1936, the paper launched a "date bureau," a program specifically designed to assist students in finding dates for social events.
Academic Recognition and Leadership
The quality of the Index gained national attention through the Associated Collegiate Press, an organization that evaluates collegiate publications. In 1939, the paper earned a second-class honor rating. This period was marked by significant leadership turnover; during the 1939 to 1940 academic year, the paper saw three different editors, concluding with freshman Don Wilson taking the helm in January 1940.
The publication's trajectory continued upward in 1943 when it was awarded a first-class honor rating by the Associated Collegiate Press.
Institutional Integration and Evolution
By the 1951 to 1952 school year, the Index had transitioned into a weekly publication under the editorship of Bill Hilliard. A major structural shift occurred in 1965 when the university placed both the newspaper and the school yearbook under the direction of the journalism department for the first time. Patricia Stephenson served as the editor during this pivotal transition.
Beyond campus news, the Index engaged in political discourse. In the 1966 U.S. Senate Race, the paper endorsed U.S. Representative Robert B. Duncan over Governor Mark Hatfield, though Hatfield ultimately won the election. The paper also endorsed Tom McCall for Oregon Secretary of State; in a lasting tribute to his legacy, Pacific University later established an annual lecture series in McCall's honor.
In October 2010, the Index underwent a comprehensive redesign of its print layout and improvements to its website. At that time, the publication operated on a biweekly schedule.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1893 as a monthly paper.
- Early Reach: 275 subscribers by 1899.
- Top Honor: Achieved a first-class honor rating from the Associated Collegiate Press in 1943.
- Departmental Shift: Integrated into the journalism department in 1965.
- Political Influence: Endorsed Tom McCall and Robert B. Duncan in 1966.
- Modern Update: Redesigned print and digital platforms in October 2010.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1893 | Foundation | Launched as a monthly newspaper |
| 1936 | Student Services | Launched the "date bureau" in March |
| 1939 | Initial Honor | Received second-class honor rating |
| 1943 | Peak Honor | Received first-class honor rating |
| 1965 | Academic Oversight | Moved under the journalism department |
| 2010 | Digital Evolution | Website improvement and redesign |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Pacific University Index founded?
The newspaper was started in 1893 as a monthly publication.
What was the subscription cost of the paper in 1899?
In 1899, a subscription to the 16-page paper cost 50 cents.
Which organization provided honor ratings to the Index?
The Associated Collegiate Press provided the honor ratings, awarding the paper a second-class rating in 1939 and a first-class rating in 1943.
How did the paper's administration change in 1965?
In 1965, both the newspaper and the school yearbook were placed under the direction of the university's journalism department for the first time.
Who did the Index endorse in the 1966 U.S. Senate Race?
The Index endorsed U.S. Representative Robert B. Duncan over Governor Mark Hatfield.
What was the publication frequency of the Index in 2010?
By October 2010, the newspaper was a biweekly publication.