It was the fall of 1925 when a class of first-year Volunteers gathered at what is now Alumni Memorial Building to embark upon a journey that would define a lasting tradition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The class of 1929 marched up the Hill in response to bugle calls from Ayres Hall, and each student received a candle as they approached the steps of the building. A senior representative passed the Torch of Preparation to one of the students to symbolize the new class’s place in the university.
The students recited the UT pledge in unison before lighting each of their candles and heading back down the Hill in silence. In the century since its inception, Torch Night has seen some changes. Instead of marching in a group up the Hill, thousands of incoming students pour into Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Instead of responding to a bugle call, students do the electric slide led by DJ Sterl the Pearl.
Despite the changes, Torch Night’s tradition of inviting first-year students into the Volunteer family has remained the same. And this time, a wide range of alumni volunteered to welcome the class of 2029 and celebrate 100 years of one of UT’s most prized Volunteer traditions.
This year’s Aug. 17 Torch Night featured dancing, words from university leadership and UT Creamery’s largest ice cream order to date. The alumni who volunteered felt inspired and connected to the Volunteer family after seeing so many students take part in the tradition.
“I got chills when all their torches lit up,” said Maddie Stephens (’19), a member of the UT Young Alumni Council and assistant director of donor experience for the Division of Advancement. “It was so exciting to see so many students about to embark on the same transformational journey I was blessed to experience as a Volunteer.”
Larry Murphy (’86, ’14), an Alumni Board of Directors member for the university, has had the unique opportunity of seeing all three of his children go to UT, attend Torch Night, and even march with the Pride of the Southland Band, like he did during his time in college.
He understands the importance of passing along traditions like Torch Night, an event which he says seems to get better each and every year.
“I think it is important for alumni to get involved in these events because it encourages our students and soon-to-be young alumni to truly understand the impact that our alumni make to this university,” said Murphy. “By being engaged, alumni show that it isn’t just four years but a lifetime of memories, friendships and relationships.”
Torch Night provides an opportunity to feel connected to the next generation of Volunteers for all alumni, even those who double as alumni and UT employees.
Brian Stevens (’05, ’12), a senior lecturer in undergraduate statistics, said when you attend UT, you’re surrounded by messages like “Vols help Vols” and “Vol means all.” Once you leave, it can be harder to stay connected to that messaging and the meaning behind it, which is why it’s valuable to return and see students take part in century-old traditions.
“We can go about living as though our UT experience is something in the past,” Stevens said. “There’s something special about what we have, and I tell every student the University of Tennessee is not the real world. It’s better.”
A decade ago, Maddie Stephens pinned the tassel given to her at Torch Night on the bulletin board in her dorm room. Four years later, she wore that same tassel to her graduation.
“It’s nice to think that some other first-year students starting this year might do the same one day,” said Stephens. “Shared experiences help connect us. Torch Night is a catalyst for the threads that weave the UT community together.”
