Buffs Journalism: From 1892 to Today
By Anthony Albidrez and Shannon Mullane (MJour’19)
On Sept. 13, 1892, the University of Colorado’s first student newspaper, The Silver and Gold, made its entrance into the field of college journalism.
This first edition marks the beginning of a long legacy of student news coverage—led by students for students. Although news outlets have come and gone over the years, all of them have documented the colorful history of daily life at the University of Colorado. This week, CMCI and the Department of Journalism are celebrating the 130th anniversary of student newspapers on campus with a deep dive into their history.
This multimedia timeline offers a small glimpse into a much larger history, and CMCI plans to share more over the next year. In it, viewers can read through the front page of The Silver and Gold’s first edition and discover student editorials that stand up for civil rights. They can see what was happening on campus during notable historical periods, like the anti-communism “Red Scare,” the Chicano movement and the arrival of the internet.
The timeline accompanies “History—As Told by Students,” published in the summer 2022 edition of CMCI Now, and it is one of many projects celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Department of Journalism. We hope you join us in honoring a century of journalism education and enjoy this deep dive into student journalism at 91Ƶ Boulder!
Sept. 13, 1892
University of Colorado's first student publication launches
Considered the first student newspaper at the Universityof Colorado Boulder, The Silver and Gold Sept. 13, 1892.
Under the editorship of student CharlesPotter,the newspaper’s front page editorial reads, “With this number The Silver and Gold makes its first appearance in the field of college journalism.
Named from the colors of the state university and maintained by its students, the new paper will endeavor to represent the best interests of the institution in all its departments.”
The Silver and Gold features an editorial announcing the paper's launch on the front page of its first issue, published in 1892.
Source: Colorado State Library’s Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection
Sept. 13, 1911
The Silver and Gold increases circulation
When the newspaper first started publication, it was viewed as a literary magazine more than a newspaper. In 1911, The Silver and Gold as the newspaper gains credibility as a news outlet.
1922–1925
The Silver and Gold condemns KKK
In the 1920s, as 91Ƶ President George Norlin strives to develop the university, the in 91Ƶ's academic community. KKK-backed Colorado governor, Clarence Morley, demandsNorlin fire Jewish and Catholic faculty members. When Norlin refuses, 91Ƶ facesbudget cuts. In editorials like "The Klan Expands," The Silver and Gold staff condemnsthe KKK, saying:
“The university is too inclusive to support anti-Catholicism; too democratic to permit race hatred; too conservative to allow the reigns of government to pass to a group of hooded anarchists. University officials will be warranted in adopting any reasonable measure in order to curb this threatening nuisance.”
George Norlin, circa the 1920s. The exact date is unknown. Norlin served as the University of Colorado's president from 1919 until he retired in 1939.
Source: Charles F. Snow Photographs Collection
May 10–11, 1929
First annual Newspaper Week
The 91Ƶ Department of Journalism hosts its .The department invites editors and journalists from Colorado and Wyoming to a two-day session on newspaper practices, like advertising sales and writing headlines. Speakers at the event represent publications across the region, including George M. LeCrone Jr., Colorado Springs Farm News; L.C. Paddock, Boulder Daily Camera; R. B. Spencer, Fort Morgan Times; and Allen M. Biggerataff, Sterling Advocate.
Programs from the first annual Newspaper Week hosted by the Department of Journalism at the University of Colorado in 1929.
Source: 91Ƶ Heritage Center
1938–1950
The Silver and Gold covers civil rights
The Silver and Gold frequently spoke out in support of equality and civil rights through its editorials. For example on April 27, 1943, the paper published an editorial that opposed The Denver Post’s . In the piece, student editor Paul Clark wrote:
“. . . now that The Post has declared war on the Japanese-Americans in our cities and relocation centers, it's about time we college students registered our protests against such fascist techniques in our midst.”
The Silver and Gold also frequently covered the Faculty Senate Committee for Ethnic Minorities, the American Student Union, and The Cosmopolitan Club, an international and immigrant club established in 1922 that still exists on campus today.
In a 1942 newspaper editorial in The Silver and Gold, student editor Paul Clark pushes back against The Denver Post’s anti-Japanese editorials during World War II.
Source: University of Colorado Digital Library
1953
The Silver and Gold transitions to Colorado Daily
The Silver and Gold rebrandsas the Colorado Daily to reflect a new, five-day publishing schedule.
This edition of the Colorado Daily was the first to be published after the newspaper transitioned from The Silver and Gold in 1953.
Source: Norlin Library microfilm collection