Trail of the Torch tradition becomes a homecoming event on both campuses

Nicole Stone/News Director

 

Every fall, FIU celebrates the values of knowledge, service and opportunity–with fire.

Traditionally a Week of Welcome event used to mark the beginning of the Fall Semester and new academic year, Trail of the Torch has made its way onto the list of homecoming festivities, according to Amanda Cantillo, president of the FIU Student Ambassador Program and intern for the Alumni Association.“Trail of the Torch is a long running tradition of the University and the purpose of the event is to light the torch of Knowledge, Service and Opportunity…” Simone Worsdale, associate director of marketing and communications for the FIU Alumni Association, told Student Media.

The text on the plaque beneath the Torch at MMC details the inception of a lasting FIU tradition, reading: “The origins of the torch lighting date all the way back to the very first day FIU opened. On Sept. 14, 1972, the Torch of Knowledge, Service and Opportunity was lit for the first time in memory of  Sen. Ernest R. Graham during a ceremony celebrating the University’s opening day.”

The Torch then remained unused until 2004, when Trail of the Torch became an annual tradition. Accompanying the torch lighting is a procession beg beginning in the housing quad to the Torch in front of Primera Casa.

“The torch is part of our seal. The Torch itself, the one that is lit, has been on our campus since its founding,” said Worsdale.

The title of “torchbearer” is reserved for four exemplary students, representing Athletics, Greek life, academics and spirit.

According to Cantillo, torchbearer nominations are being promoted through a form available on Trail of the Torch’s social media outlets such as Instagram and Facebook for both MMC and BBC.

Their Facebook page describes the qualities sought in torchbearers:  “The torchbearers must embody the essence of a Panther, while being well rounded, philanthropic, hardworking and driven.”

Cantillo emphasised that Trail of the Torch actively seeks the participation of student organizations than other homecoming events which she feels are more focused on the performers and acts they feature.

“We have around 20 or more student organisations involved such as CLS office and Phoenician investment groups. Trail of the Torch is very broad in its representation of the student organizations on campus,” Cantillo said to Student Media. “FIU Student Ambassadors exclusively plan this event in collaboration with the Alumni Association as we are overseen by them.”

BBC will also see Trail of the Torch for the first time, thanks to a collaboration with the “Blue & Gold: Unleashed” pep rally Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. in the Panther Square.

“We want to make sure we have equal representation,” Cantillo said.

Worsdale and Cantillo hope to see the tradition of the Torch grow at BBC.

“We hope to engage the students [at BBC] with this tradition of lighting the Torch of Knowledge, Service and Opportunity,” Worsdale told Student Media.

The Torch will not be lit in dull spirit, though, according to Cantillo and Worsdale.

“Last year, we did it bigger and better than before.” Cantillo said to Student Media. This year, she expects MMC’s Trail of the Torch will see a similar improvement. “We have big sponsors such as Geico, Sparkling Ice water. They have been very generous in their support of the University and our program. And we have Little Ceasars, so we have a lot of food.”

“There will be live entertainment, giveaways, food and beverages and this will all be available free to the entire student body,” Worsdale said. “This has been going on for so many years and is one of FIU’s longest running traditions. It’s really exciting to have been engaging the student body with this for the past 10 plus years.”