EXACTLY 75 years ago today, in its very first editorial, “Confession of Faith,” the Varsitarian said it would be “an independent organ of opinion of students wherein they can express their ideas regarding vital questions in this university.”
The Varsitarian has been a witness to a nation coming into its own, World War II, the postwar reconstruction, the establishment of a dictatorship, a tumultuous democratic transition, three papal visits, and people power revolutions. In its pages are recorded the history of the nation and the saga of Asia’s oldest university. Despite its colorful and continuous evolution in form and style, the publication has survived and has maintained its identity as the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas.
After three-quarters of a century of existence, the Varsitarian is a community paper that remains committed to the service of the students. It continues to pursue its tradition of excellence, year after year. It continues to contribute to the growth and development of the Thomasian. And more importantly, it continues to remain a faithful chronicler of Thomasian history.
It remains true to its name— the varsitarian or the “university”, recognizing that it owes its existence and success to no less than countless generations of Thomasians of past and present.
Today, as the publication celebrates its 75th founding anniversary, the Varsitarian reaffirms the fact that the REAL Varsitarian is found, neither in its pages nor in its office at the Main Building, but among the students of this University. It can be found in the discerning minds of Thomasian readers, as expressed in their thoughts and opinions.
The words and images on its proud pages will fade in time, its writers will come and go, but the Varsitarian will forever remain a community paper of the students, for the students and by the students.
