Graduation Retrospective: BYU-Idaho Class Reflects | Scroll News

A Century of Voices: Reflecting on BYU-Idaho’s Student Newspaper, The Scroll

For over a century, students at what is now Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) have documented their experiences, perspectives, and the evolving campus life through its student newspaper. From its humble beginnings as The Student Rays in 1905 to its current digital format as The Scroll, the publication’s history mirrors the institution’s own transformation. This retrospective examines the journey of BYU-Idaho’s student voice, exploring its name changes, content evolution, and enduring role in the campus community. Understanding the history of The Scroll provides a unique lens through which to view the broader history of the university itself.

From Rays to Vikings: A History of Names

The story of BYU-Idaho’s student newspaper is one of constant reinvention, starting with its very name. Initially launched as The Student Rays, the paper operated somewhat sporadically between 1905 and 1933. This early iteration laid the groundwork for a sustained student voice, but lacked the consistency of later publications. In 1934, a rebranding effort led to The Purple Flash, a name that lasted until 1937. A brief period followed with The Viking Flash (1937-1938), before settling on The Viking Scroll in 1939. The “Viking” moniker was eventually dropped in 1973, resulting in the current title, The Scroll. This evolution of names reflects shifts in campus identity and student culture over the decades.

Early Content: Domestic Science, Religion, and Local Issues

The content of the early Scroll editions, and its predecessors, focused on topics relevant to student life and the surrounding community. Early issues frequently featured articles on domestic science, reflecting the curriculum and societal norms of the time. Religious discussions were also prominent, consistent with the university’s founding principles. Local issues impacting the campus and the town of Rexburg, Idaho, were regularly covered, establishing the newspaper as a forum for student concerns and perspectives. As the publication evolved, so did its content, eventually incorporating photographs of students, faculty, and campus events, adding a visual dimension to the reporting.

The Digital Transition and Accessibility

A significant turning point in the history of The Scroll came in 2019 with its transition to a solely digital format. This move reflects a broader trend in journalism towards online platforms, increasing accessibility and reach. Today, print editions dating back to 1905 have been digitized and are available online through the McKay Library Special Collections at BYU-Idaho. This digitization project ensures that the historical record of student life at the institution is preserved and accessible to researchers and anyone interested in the university’s past. A current version of the publication is also available on The Scroll’s official website.

The Scroll as a Historical Record: What the Archives Reveal

The digitized archives of The Scroll offer a valuable resource for understanding the social, cultural, and political climate of BYU-Idaho and the surrounding region throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Researchers can trace the evolution of student concerns, campus policies, and the university’s relationship with the broader community. For example, a front page from 1959, featured in the archives, documents a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt, highlighting the significance of such events in shaping the campus experience. The BYU–Idaho Scrolls Collection provides a comprehensive overview of the available materials and resources for researchers.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Gaps in the Historical Record

While the archives provide a rich source of information, some gaps remain in the historical record. Details regarding the specific editorial policies and challenges faced by each iteration of the newspaper are not fully documented in the available sources. The decision-making processes behind the name changes, beyond the stated shifts in campus identity, remain somewhat unclear. The extent to which The Scroll influenced university policy or public opinion is challenging to quantify without further research. It remains unclear how the digital transition has impacted student engagement with the newspaper, and whether readership has increased or decreased as a result.

How the Process of Student Journalism Works at BYU-Idaho

The Scroll operates as an academic program tied to the Communication Department at BYU-Idaho. This structure provides students with hands-on experience in all aspects of journalism, from reporting and writing to editing and publishing. Students gain practical skills while contributing to a publication that serves the campus community. I-Comm Student Media, the umbrella organization for The Scroll, provides resources and support for student journalists. The process typically involves students pitching story ideas, conducting research, writing articles, and working with editors to refine their perform before publication. This model allows for a continuous cycle of learning and production, ensuring that The Scroll remains a vibrant and relevant source of news and information.