Dr. Isaac Franklin Russel, Professor of Law, holding the
Tiffany Torch at the 1921 Commencement

The prized silver University Torch, designed by Tiffany and Company of New York and “symbolic of academic purpose and authority,” was a gift from Helen Miller Gould in 1911. The torch and torchbearer led the academic processions in major University ceremonies. At Commencement, the torch was passed from a senior faculty member to the youngest graduating student.