If you are a current Andrews student, you may have read the Student Movement, been asked for quotes to be included in articles, or at the least heard it mentioned before. However, the Andrews University Student Movement is not simply a publication to stay informed about recent and upcoming events on campus or to read opinion pieces by classmates. The Student Movement has a rich history of being a voice for students since its inception in 1915. Not only that, it serves as an invaluable storehouse of memories and information on the history of Andrews University, reflecting what students have been interested in through the years and documenting substantial changes at the University and beyond. Past issues have even served as a source in the writing of a book on Andrews University history titled “As We Set Forth” by Dr. Meredith Jones-Gray. The newspaper has undergone many changes since its long-ago inception, first printed in black and white print, then color print, and now published in digital format. Keep reading to become acquainted with the rich history of our school paper and learn about its humble beginnings.
If you dig deep into Andrews’ history, you will learn students have played an integral part in transforming the university into what it is today. In fact, it was not uncommon in the early 20th century for students to undertake massive projects in the form of campaigns with a scope that seemed nearly impossible. Meredith Jones-Gray’s book section titled “Chapel and the ‘Carry-On’ Spirit of EMC” lists some prime examples, such as raising money for new buildings and equipment. According to Dr. Jones-Gray’s section “The Student Movement: The Beginnings,” the student-led newspaper arose from a similar movement. In 1914, there was a spirit of change born from necessity as the school faced massive amounts of debt. Although by 1914, the amount had decreased from $60,879.55 to $45,000, it still hung heavy on everyone’s shoulders as a significant weight that needed lifting. According to Jones-Gray’s book, a student bookkeeper named Mina M. Davis came up with the idea of students hosting a campaign to eliminate the debt. She, along with a handful of other students, presented their idea during chapel one morning, and their enthusiasm spread. Soon students were doing everything they could to earn funds toward the debt. The undertaking became known as “The Student Movement.” Those involved began seeing the benefit a student paper would bring to fan the flame that had begun; Howard Wilcox, a student leader involved in the “Student Movement” campaign, presented the idea to the college board with a proposal and plans to fund the paper through advertisements and subscriptions. The board suggested they fill a page in the Lake Union Herald instead, wanting to avoid any additional debt that could come with the cost of printing a newspaper. However, students were not satisfied with the response and eventually succeeded in securing permission to print their paper. Donations funded the first issue, released on August 19, 1915. Subscriptions cost 50 cents and advertisements were printed, together earning the paper enough to stay in business. Howard Wilcox became the first editor. The Student Movement publication itself became a campaign, as different groups competed to see who could get the most subscriptions. The winners were often allowed to write a special issue as a prize.
Since then, the paper has been an important campus source, providing information on major events, student and faculty profiles, fundraisers, and student art. It has also provided comedic relief with comics - printed in the past - and satire pieces, which are occasionally included today. One major, perhaps the most important, role is that the Student Movement is designed to reflect and represent the student body. In the words of an early editorial, “Students and friends of E.M.C. [now AU] The Student Movement is your paper. It is your servant” (Vol I No 2 p 4). There are many examples of times it has served this purpose. One is in various articles published in 1916 that reflect students’ desires for a campus gymnasium and student government (for examples see Vol 2 No 1. And Vol 2 No. 3). More recent examples include articles expressing students’ views and concerns on everything from women’s ordination (Vol 99 Is 18) to accessibility on campus (Vol 104 Is 09).
Through the ages, the newspaper has undergone a number of changes, including the change to color print and then to solely digital publication in 2020. The paper has also undergone many changes in the frequency of publication, at times printed bi-weekly, monthly, or weekly, as it is today. Every team that has been involved has built their own vision for what the paper should look like, acting as pioneers with their new ideas. Since its creation, numerous people have worked together, dedicating time and effort to producing the Student Movement and keeping the student voice alive. However, through all the changes in publishing and the shifts from team to team, its purpose stays the same: to serve as a voice for those for whom the university was founded, students today, tomorrow, and always.
Brownell, May. “A Gymnasium.” The Student Movement, 28 September 1916, Vol 2 No. 1, p 5.
Lundquist, H. B. “Constructive Student Government.” The Student Movement, 26 October 1916, Vol 2 No 3, p 5.
“Editorial.” The Student Movement, 30 September 1915, Vol 1 No. 2, p 4.
Jones-Gray, Meredith. “As We Set Forth.” Andrews University, 2002.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.