Overview
Southern Methodist University Archives, DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University
Collection of Southern Methodist University student newspapers
1915-1992
1920s, 1950s, 1960s
15 oversized boxes, 3 bound volumes (23 linear ft.)
Southern Methodist University students first published their student newspaper, SMU Times, on September 11, 1915. The Southern Methodist University Students’ Publishing Company, incorporated in 1930, established a free press responsible for producing the newspaper, the yearbook, and student directories. Student publications appeared on the SMU campus, though, as early as 1915.
The company, now called the Student Media Company, Inc., is a non-profit Texas corporation that operates independently from SMU. This collection contains various editions of the student-published SMU newspaper from 1915 to 1992. Some decades, the 1920s, 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, are well represented, but editions in the remaining decades are sparse. A few special editions are included.
SMU 1992.0175x
Material is in English
Historical Note
Student publications appeared on the SMU campus as early as 1915. In those early years, the student body owned, controlled, published, and distributed the campus newspaper, yearbook, and student directories. Humor magazines and papers appeared periodically as well.
The Southern Methodist University Students’ Publishing Company, incorporated in 1930, established a free press responsible for producing the newspaper, the yearbook, and student directories. The company, now called the Student Media Company, Inc., is a non-profit Texas corporation that operates independently from SMU. It publishes The Daily Campus and Rotunda yearbook, both of which are edited by students.
KPNI Radio (formerly KSMU) was supported and owned by the Student Media Company from 1964 – 1989 and from 1995 – 2003. It also publishes the Directory of Students, Staff, and Faculty.
Over the years, frequency varied from once or twice a week to daily. The SMU newspaper has also changed names many times throughout its publication:
SMU Times - Volume 1, numbers 1-14 (September 11 – December 18, 1915)
Campus - Volume 1, number 15 – Volume 8, number 12 (January 14, 1916 – December 8, 1922)
Semi-Weekly Campus - Volume 8, number 13 – Volume 22 (January 10, 1923 – May 1937)
Campus - Volume 23 (September 1937 – May 1938)
Semi-Weekly Campus - Volumes 24 - 25 (September 1938 – May 1940)
Campus - Volume 26 (September 1940 – May 1941)
Semi-Weekly Campus - Volumes 27 – 28 (September 1941 – May 1943)
Campus - Volumes 29 – 30 (July 1943 – June 1945)
SMU Campus - Volume 31 (September 1945 – August 1946
Campus - Volume 32, numbers 1 – 15 (September 27 – November 16, 1946)
SMU Campus - Volume 32, number 16 (November 20, 1946 – 1969)
The Daily Campus - 1969 - Present
The Student Media Company Inc. and its board, unlike many college newspapers, have enjoyed a unique independence from faculty review. While the editors recognize their responsibilities to the students and to the administration, the SMU Students' Publishing Company has been controversial at times. The administration often disliked what was printed, and on a few occasions, the student body protested the newspaper’s negative publicity concerning the athletic program.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
This collection contains various editions of the student-published SMU newspaper from 1915 to 1992. Some decades, the 1920s, 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, are well represented, but editions in the remaining decades are sparse. Special editions include The Dinkey (April Fools “humor” issue), weekend editions, and student media and orientation editions.
The early newspapers from around the 1920s to the 1950s were in a regular newspaper format or horizontal. The newspapers changed into a tabloid format during the years from 1966 to 1970. Nearly all the newspapers have yellowed, and extreme care should be used as the older editions are often torn and deteriorated.
The content of the student-led newspaper changed from year to year. During the 1920s and the 1930s, the newspaper’s main focus was on enrollment, breaking ground for new buildings, fashion, and sororities and fraternities on campus. Advertisements for cigarettes and clothing boutiques dominated.
In the 1950s, the newspaper focused on issues as serious as Communism, segregation, and American isolationism to the length of a co-ed’s skirt. The ads in the newspapers during this time were mainly cigarette advertisements, clothing, and recruitment advertisements from engineering firms.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the newspaper content dramatically changed. The newspaper focused on social issues and world events in addition to SMU news. Issues included the draft, lowering the voting age, university student protests, African American rights, and the Vietnam War. The newspaper ads featured movies, restaurants, and job advertisements.
The 1980s and 1990s are not well represented. The few editions in these decades focus on the football controversy and related issues.
The collection is arranged in chronological order in two series. Series #1 contains unbound newspapers and series #2 contains bound newspapers. Some issues are described with representative headlines from the issues as highlights.
Arrangement of the Collection
The collection is organized into 2 series:
- Series 1: Unbound student newspapers
- Series 2: Bound student newspapers
Related Materials
Southern Methodist University Student Newspaeprs, 1915-1931, Central University Libraries Digital Collections, Southern Methodist University
Access to Collection:
Collection is open for research use.
Publication Rights:
Permission to publish materials must be obtained from the Director of the DeGolyer Library.
Copyright Statement:
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain copyright authorization.
Access Terms
This collection is indexed under the following terms in the Southern Methodist University Libraries' online catalog. Researchers desiring related materials may search the catalog using these terms.
Southern Methodist University -- Newspapers.
College student newspapers and periodicals -- Texas -- Dallas -- Newspapers.
Student Media Company.
SMU Students' Publishing Company.
Preferred Citation
Collection of Southern Methodist University student newspapers, Southern Methodist University Archives, DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University.
Acquisition Information
Gift, Mike Hazel, Gerry York, Mary Kitchens, Edward L. Sinnott, and others.
Processing Information
Various gifts were gathered, organized chronologically, and re-foldered.
Finding aid written by Pamalla Anderson and Morgan Honeycutt, 2007.
Encoded by
Lara Corazalla, 2007.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1:
Unbound Newspapers
15 oversized boxes
11The Campus, 1915-1918
12The Dinkey, 1916-1929
13The Campus, Apr. - Dec. 1921
April 28, 1921 - New Journalism course offered; attendance at gym courses is mandatory; sports section
May 5, 1921 - Senior Class Issue
November 1, 1921 - Plans for Hyer Hall of Science being drawn
November 8, 1921 - Interest in Spanish growing each year
November 30, 1921 - Woman's athletics proves its quality
December 8, 1921 - SMU wins admittance to southern body
14The Campus, Jan. - May 1922
January 11, 1922 - Valuable print is acquired by SMU library (Patrick Henry)
January 26, 1922 - Men in dormitory governing selves
February 2, 1922 - Russian Nobleman enters University
February 9, 1922 - Delta Gamma Sorority petitioning to have sorority at SMU
February 16, 1922 - "Sane" Dress for Co-eds being promoted
March 2, 1922 - Fish comes to blows over Darwin idea; Department of Biology needs greater space
March 9, 1922 - New science hall will aid geology
15The Campus, Jun. - Dec. 1922
21The Semi-Weekly Campus, Jan. 1923
January 10, 1923 - New Delta Sig home dedicated by officers
January 16, 1923 - Correlation Committee makes investigation of frat housing problem
22The Semi-Weekly Campus, Feb. 1923
23The Semi-Weekly Campus, Mar. 1923
24The Semi-Weekly Campus, Apr. 1923
25The Semi-Weekly Campus, May - Jun. 1923
26The Semi-Weekly Campus, Oct. 1923
27The Semi-Weekly Campus, Nov. - Dec. 1923
31The Semi-Weekly Campus, Jan. - Feb. 1924
January 19, 1924 - Revival will be March. 30-April 6
January 23, 1924 - Present system of registration may be changed
January 30, 1924 - Student Express Approval of Activities Building
February 2, 1924 - One Hundred Delegates are Expected to Arrive for Three-Day Meeting
February 9, 1924 - Auditorium to Cost $325,000 is McFarlin Gift to S.M.U.
February 13, 1924 - Hay Elected Federation President
February 16, 1924 - First Annual Pikers's Day By Celebrating Seniors
February 21, 1924 - Vote Cast Against S.M.U. annexation
February 27, 1924 - S.M.U. Adopts Semester Plan
32The Semi-Weekly Campus, Mar. - Apr. 1924
March 1, 1924 - Faculty Members are working out 5-Day System
March 5, 1924 - Ponies take final game from Bears
March 12, 1924 - Nine Girls and Six Boys Brought before Honor Council Tuesday Night
March 16, 1924 - Who's Who in S.M.U. article
April 3, 1924 - Kirby Hall Cornerstone Will be Lain
April 10, 1924 - College Journalists Open Meet at S.M.U.
April 16, 1924 - Student Killed, One Hurt in Airplane crash
April 19, 1924 - Students to be dismissed because of party
April 23, 1924 - Grad Jury probes Wilderness party
April 26, 1924 - Class periods shortened
April 30, 1924 - Nine boys expelled because of party at a lake
33The Semi-Weekly Campus, May 1924
May 7, 1924 - Journalism Fraternities carry on work at S.M.U.
May 10, 1924 - Dallas Preachers approve of penalties to expelled boys, Student election is held at S.M.U.
May 14, 1924 - Students risk lives in attempt to save house from fire; Run-offs to be held for student election
May 21, 1924 - Phi Delts Plan to erect house on frat row
May 24, 1924 - Second fire in University Place within two weeks
May 28, 1924 - Non-Frat students to organize at S.M.U.
34The Semi-Weekly Campus, Sep. - Nov. 1924
September 24, 1924 - Registration reaches 1,400 / Plans for auditorium completed, construction to start soon
September 27, 1924 - Mustangs Beats Eagles
October 4, 1924 - Work Delayed on New Kirby Hall
October 11, 1924 - Mustangs Down Kangaroos
October 16, 1924 - Ponies Ready for Longhorns
October 22, 1924 - S.M.U. students take two prizes in all-college circus event
October 29, 1924 - Observatory Planned on Campus
November 5, 1924 - Special Students to Arkansas
November 8, 1924 - Crucial Games for Ponies
November 12, 1924 - Ponies Train For Bear Contest
November 15, 1924 - Mustang to Defend Title
October 22, 1924 - Aggies Next Mustang Cry
35The Semi-Weekly Campus, Jan. - Dec. 1925
February 21, 1925 - S.M.U. Day Program will be broadcast from chapel tonight by W.F.A.A.
February 25, 1925 - Endowment over $2,000,000
February 28, 1925 - Students enveloped in Mass of Confusion Lecture
March 4, 1925 - Dallas Technical Club Supports Engineering School
March 4, 1925 - Diphtheria Epidemic Now Beyond Danger
March 7, 1925 - Kern Discusses of Frat Problems
March 11, 1925 - Dallas Engineers to Establish School of Architecture
March 11, 1925 - Will discuss China at Political Science Meeting
March 14, 1925 - Pecan Grove of 100 Trees Gift of Senior Class
March 18, 1925 - Gym Contribution Drive to Start
March 21, 1925 - Students vote on campus and rotunda salaries, vote for raise in salaries
March 25, 1925 - Gym Campaign Fund Reaches $3000
March 28, 1925 - Carl Sandberg Recital
March 28, 1925 - Meeting held to plan CO-OP store
April 2, 1925 - Selecman Replies to Magazine
April 18, 1925 - Harriet Monroe, famous poet, gives lecture
April 25, 1925 - Auditorium cornerstone is laid
May 1, 1925 - Recognition Day Exercises Held
May 6, 1925 - Different views discussed in resignation of M.T. Workman, professor of English Bible
May 13, 1925 - Administration Building will be erected by Next September
October 7, 1925 - Vice President of Students' Assoc. Resigns
November 7, 1925 - M.T. Workman Opens Student Federation, former S.M.U. Prof.
December 9, 1925 - S.M.U. Masonic club organized
December 16, 1925 - Law Library now has 2,600 volumes
36The Semi-Weekly Campus, Feb. - Oct. 1926
February 10, 1926 - Dean questions students about moral conditions; General T.H. Bliss is Here for two addresses
February 24, 1926 - C-Plus is average for student body
March 24, 1926 - Four-Day Program to feature McFarlin Memorial Auditorium Opening
April 17, 1926 - Breaking ground for Snider Dorm / Fresh and Soph engage in Battle
May 15, 1926 - Plans made to Improve campus
September 29, 1926 - Frats Seek Abolition of Deferred Pledging
October 2, 1926 – SMU vs. Trinity Game Features Oval Stadium Dedication
October 6, 1926 - Honor System Chapel Topic
October 9, 1926 - Elect Crowe Head of Cycen Fjord
October 12, 1926 - Students Dealing Liquor Suspend
October 16, 1926 - High Enrollment for Art Classes
October 20, 1926 - Forester Heads Decima Society
October 23, 1926 - Mustangs Primed for Aggies
October 27, 1926 - Strike at Semi-Weekly for Attending SMU vs. TX Game
37The Semi-Weekly Campus, Nov. - Dec. 1926
November 3, 1926 - Men Protest Co-Ed Skirts
November 6, 1926 - Baylor Students Urge Severance of Athletic Relationship w/A&M
November 10, 1926 - SMU Students 7 Foreign Nations 17 States
November 13, 1926 - Championship Hinges on Mustang Win
November 13, 1926 - S.M.U. Observes Armistice Day
November 17, 1926 - Battleground of Student Opinion
November 20, 1926 - Students Suspend for Hazing
November 24, 1926 - Homecoming Day/Cheating
December 1, 1926 - Opening of Snider Hall
December 4, 1926 - SMU Symphony Orchestra Formed
December 8, 1926 - Delayed Pledge Rule Repealed Effective Today
December 11, 1926 - New Science Hall Dedicated
December 15, 1926 - Straw Vote on Honor System
December 15, 1926 - Dean of Women warns co-eds against smoking and gossiping; Coeds in Snider Hall find sport in Elevator
December 18, 1926 - Students Take Drugs in Dangerous Experiment; Resignation of Campus Editor
December 22, 1926 - Students Vote to Amend Present Honor System
41The Semi-Weekly Campus, Jan. - Feb. 1927
February 12, 1927 - Conrad Nagel, movie star, to choose 1927 Rotunda Beauties
42The Semi-Weekly Campus, Mar. 1927
43The Semi-Weekly Campus, Apr. 1927
44The Semi-Weekly Campus, May 1927
45The Semi-Weekly Campus, Mar. - May 1928
46The Semi-Weekly Campus, Oct. - Dec. 1928
51The Semi-Weekly Campus, Jan. - Feb. 1929
January 5, 1929 - S.M.U. Geologist Discover 460 pound specimen of extinct animal near Garland
January 12, 1929 - Practical world claims last of "Old World Order"
January 29, 1929 - Business Office will not supervise the Dinkey
February 9, 1929 - Texas' First College of the air inaugurated by S.M.U. AND KRLD; Finds Ammonite Fossil Ten Million Years Old
February 13, 1929 - Cycen Fjodr moves to abolish honor system; Course-droppers cause trouble with registrar
February 16, 1929 - Decima Protest against high cost of Rotunda to students; question the value of yearbooks; interesting print ads
February 20, 1929 - Cartoon on lectures of the future "on the radio"
February 23, 1929 - Two hundred students make "B" average in four courses S.M.U. registrar announces
February 27, 1929 - To campaign for $3,000,000 in 1930; Cartoon about the Honor System
52The Semi-Weekly Campus, Mar. 1929
March 2, 1929 - Amendment to incorporate student publications at S.M.U. to be presented; Frat averages are announced
March 6, 1929 - "Definition of Good Girl" given by Chapel at Tuesday Service
March 9, 1929 - Dean requests candidates for degrees to check applications immediately; Major exams to be given in History
March 13, 1929 - Student council absolves editor of five charges; Geology student makes contour map of Texas
March 20, 1929 - Student will welcome Fleet of Collegians; Ring bearing seal of Egyptian King given to SMU Dean
March 23, 1929 - SMU to observe second founders day; Denies that committee is unfair to boys
March 27, 1929 - Fifty Students take part in Texas Relays
53The Semi-Weekly Campus, Apr. 1929
April 3, 1929 - Edition has three sections; Celebration of Sixth anniversary of president of University
April 6, 1929 - McGinnis talks on Democratic Party's Future; Seniors make "Whoopee" on Pikers' Day; Theater calls police force
April 10, 1929 - Amendment to honor system is defeated
April 13, 1929 - University gets recognition by National Body; Deans declare Petters make up Minority
April 17, 1929 - Faculty votes to abolish honor system
April 20, 1929 – Soda Pop, Ice cream, cake, and pie free to students at political rally
April 24, 1929 - Details of Campus political rally completed
April 27, 1929 - Expect record vote in student election
54The Semi-Weekly Campus, May 1929
May 1, 1929 - Five races go into run-off election Saturday
May 4, 1929 - Theodore Yoder, Former student, writes of Egypt
May 8, 1929 - Registrar announces that 1740 degrees have been given in 13 years
May 11, 1929 - Paik Hi Yu will be the first ever graduate to receive three degrees at the same time
May 15, 1929 - Sweaters will be awarded to Band Members; University offers prize of $100 for essay on how to pay for education
May 18, 1929 - SMU to seek admission in national body
May 22, 1929 - University clubs honor authorities on conservation; SMU engineers launch $20,000 campaign
May 25, 1929 - Youngest Senior, 19 years old, chose to attend SMU because Dad promised car
55The Semi-Weekly Campus, 1935-1938
May 10, 1935 - SMU 20th celebration opens; University had 4 presidents in 20 years
April 22, 1936 - SMU becomes 21 and asks for inheritance of Millions
May 6, 1936 - Nation's first amateur production of Broadway hit is Arden's Climax of the year; Judiciary court and Student Council to have increased power
May 19, 1937 - 261 candidates for graduation to finish June 1st
September 24, 1938 - Enrollment due to surpass all former years
56The Semi-Weekly Campus, 1943-1947
May 5, 1943 - Bob Lyons Wins VP runoff
February 16, 1944 - Jane Stroud Gronberg is first girl graduate of engineering school
March 8, 1944 - One hundred and fifty new students enroll
March 11, 1944 - Schumacher takes gavel as Lyons resigns;
March 15, 1944 - War training courses offered by Federal government
May 7, 1947 - Smith win pres. Positions
May 10, 1947 - Students contest election
May 14, 1947 - Elections set for Friday
June 1, 1947 - Record breaking enrollment expected
September 27, 1947 - Spirited Five lead Mustang cheers
November 1, 1947 - Student Council switches elections
February 25, 1948 - Charles Jones Religious emphasis week
March 4, 1948 - Editorial
61The SMU Campus, Feb. – Oct. 1948
March 10, 1948 - Seek A&S Council positions
March 13, 1948 - 6,670 Enrolled for Spring term
April 21, 1948 - Political pot is boiling
April 24, 1948 - Lawyer says negro rights gain strength
April 28, 1948 - Perkins gym to be scene of big political rally
May 1, 1948 - Quiet reigns over rally before small audience
May 5, 1948 - First annual business school institute will be launched at SMU Friday
May 8, 1948 - Takes presidential race
62The SMU Campus, Nov. 1948
63The SMU Campus, Dec. 1948
71The SMU Campus, Jan, - March 1949
72The SMU Campus, Apr. – May 1949
81The SMU Campus, Apr. - Dec. 1950
April 19, 1950 - Page 3
April 20, 1950 - False statements mislead students
April 22, 1950 - Goodwin gets presidency; parties split on Council
April 26, 1950 - Anti-negro stand led by Gibson
April 29, 1950 - Guided tours to highlight Dallas Day
May 13, 1950 - New student council makes appointments
November 3, 1950 - 3,000 SMU students to see crucial game
82The SMU Campus, Jan. - Mar. 1951
83The SMU Campus, Apr. 1951
April 18, 1951 - Sixty candidates file for election
April 21, 1951 - Chapel attendance shows increase
April 25, 1951 - Campus rated All-American for 5th consecutive semester
April 28, 1951 - Dick Wilke wins presidency
84The SMU Campus, May - Dec. 1951
May 2, 1951 - Trailerville Nursery
May 5, 1951 - Dallas Day Schedule
October 26, 1951 - Athletic dept. makes $100,000 gift to university press
91The SMU Campus, Jan. - May 1952
92The SMU Campus, May - Oct. 1954
May 12, 1954 - Final plans approved on 10,000 seat gym
93The SMU Campus, Nov. - Dec. 1954
94The SMU Campus, Jan. - Mar. 1955
95The SMU Campus, Apr. - May 1955
96The SMU Campus, Sep. - Oct. 1955
97The SMU Campus, Nov. - Dec. 1955
101The SMU Campus, Jan. - Feb. 1956
102The SMU Campus, Mar. - Apr. 1956
103The SMU Campus, May - Oct. 1956
104The SMU Campus, Nov. - Dec. 1956
105The SMU Campus, Feb. - Mar. 1957
106The SMU Campus, Apr. - Jun. 1957
107The SMU Campus, Oct. - Dec. 1957, 1958
108The SMU Campus, Sep. 1962
111The SMU Campus, Sep. - Oct. 1966
112The SMU Campus, Nov. 1966 - Jan. 1967
113The SMU Campus, Feb. - Mar. 1967
114The SMU Campus, Apr. - Dec. 1967
121The SMU Campus, Aug. - Sep. 1968
122The SMU Campus, Oct. 1968
123The SMU Campus, Nov. - Dec. 1968
124The SMU Campus, Jan. - Feb. 1969
125The SMU Campus, Mar. 1969
131The SMU Campus, Apr. - Jul. 1969
132The SMU Campus, Aug. - Sep. 1969
133The SMU Campus, Oct. 1969
134The SMU Campus, Nov. - Dec. 1969
141The Daily Campus, Jan. - Feb. 1970
142The Daily Campus, Mar. 1970
143The Daily Campus, Apr. 1970, Oct. - Nov. 1972
October 25, 1972 - Anschutz resigns from UA
144The Daily Campus, Aug. 1975
August 29, 1975 - Pres. Zumberge; Pres. Ford to Speak; Athletes cafeteria to reopen
151The Daily Campus, 1981 - 1986
February 22, 1985 - Administrators Still Like to Teach
September 26, 1986 - 75th Anniversary Issue
May 6, 1988 - A Year of Change
September 20, 1988 - Senate to Vote on Paying Candidates
152The Daily Campus, 1987
January 23, 1987 - Snider Elevator Catches on Fire
April 22, 1987 - SMU Senate Vetoes Adopt-a-Team Bill
May 5, 1987 - A Hilltop Nightmare 86-87
153The Daily Campus, 1988, 1989, 1992
May 6, 1988 - A Year of Change
September 20, 1988 - Senate to Vote on Paying Candidates
January 27, 1989 - Fondren Science Receives $4.5 Million
154The Daily Campus Special Editions, 1972, 1990-1992
October 29, 1976 - Homecoming Scrapbook - 60 Years of SMU
September 23, 1988 - Pony Tracks Sports
May 1, 1990 - Student Media: Chronicle 60 years of Student Media 75 years of Daily Campus
September 7, 1990 - DC-Weekend Edition Scandals
November 2, 1990 - DC-Weekend Edition Homecoming '90
February 22, 1991 - DC-Weekend Edition Arthur Miller
September 6, 1991 - DC-Weekend Edition Traditions
October 4, 1991 - DC-Weekend Edition Drunk Driving
July 1, 1992 - SMU Orientation 1992 Orientation Issue
August 26, 1992 - Registration Issue
Series 2:
Bound Newspapers
3 bound volumes
The Campus, 1922-1923: September 30, 1922 – May 26, 1923
SMU Campus, 1971-1972: August 26, 1971 – August 10, 1972
SMU Campus, 1972-1973: August 1972 – August 1973