Students at the University of Tennessee pass by the Torchbearer everyday, but how many people know the full history of the statue?

Though the Torchbearer, which is also called the Volunteer Statue, was not erected until April 19, 1968, the classes of 1928 through 1932 decided that the university needed a sculpture that would exhibit the vitality and servanthood that UT's students have to offer.

A $1,000 prize was awarded to the winner of the contest for best sculpture design and Theodore Andre Beck, a student at the Yale School of Fine Arts, was announced as the winner on May 12, 1931. Though Beck's design was chosen, many modifications were made before the final statue could be placed in Circle Park. It is significant because it keeps our history and our school. Jenna Estep, UT student

In 1932, the statue became the official symbol of UT, but financial issues, including the Great Depression and World War II, caused a halt in the statue's construction. However, the class of 1967 raised enough money to finally build the nine-foot-tall Torchbearer.

 "I think it's a Tennessee trademark because it represents our past," UT student Jenna Estep said. "It is significant because it keeps our history and our school."

Beck's original design displayed a middle-aged man wearing a tunic. The statue was changed to a younger-looking man, which better encompassed the youthful vibe of the university. The tunic was transformed into a more non-descript piece of clothing, in order to keep the statue from depicting any certain time period.

The statue holds a torch in his right hand that says, "One that beareth a torch standeth in shadow to give light to others." A "sword of protection" hangs on his left side, and in his left hand is the Goddess of Winged Victory, which is supposed to represent success. The goddess stands on a globe, showing the capability to prevail against worldly hardships is in a person's own hands.