Honoring 125 Years: Tarleton’s ‘Steward of Fire’ unites past and present

BY COLTON BRADBERRY / Multimedia Journalist

On Sept. 3, 2024, Tarleton State University celebrated its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of academic excellence and tradition. Among the many festivities held to commemorate this milestone, unveiling a new school song, “Steward of Fire,” stood out as a highlight.

The song, written and conducted by Tarleton’s Director of Choirs, Dr. Troy Robertson, reflects the deep connection between the university's past, present and future.

The title “Steward of Fire” was inspired by the university's long-standing traditions involving fire, including the bonfire, lighting your candle at Convocation and the solemn ceremony of Silver Taps, where flames are extinguished.

"You begin your life as a Texan with the lighting of the candle at Convocation, and it ends with the extinguishing of the flame at Silver Taps," Robertson said. “This symbolic connection between fire and a student's life became the song's foundation.”

“Steward of Fire” pays tribute to Tarleton's musical history by quoting two of the university's most iconic songs, the fight song and the color song. The song's final lines, "Ever forward, ever onward/ Run the Purple and the White," are a direct reference to both. These lyrics are widely recognized by students and alumni, symbolizing Tarleton's enduring pride and spirit.

By incorporating these familiar phrases, Robertson ensured the new song would resonate with the entire Tarleton community, linking the present with the school's storied past.

Reflecting on the university's rich history and the significance of its 125th anniversary 16th President Dr. James Hurley emphasized the core values that have shaped Tarleton since its founding.

“John Tarleton's vision for our beloved university was founded on access, opportunity, and affordability,” Hurley said.

The theme of the song emphasizes the shared responsibility of Tarleton's community to preserve its traditions and values. Robertson described this as being stewards of the university's legacy, a gift that has been passed down through generations of students and alumni. 

"This experience we have together is centered around our values," Robertson said.

The song's lyrics highlight the importance of carrying these values forward, much like a flame that must be tended and passed on.

Creating a song for such a significant occasion required Robertson to adapt his usual writing process. Rather than relying on the traditional late-19th-century style often associated with school songs, he chose to modernize “Steward of Fire” by giving it a pop-influenced sound.

"A school song is supposed to be sung by everybody," Robertson said, explaining his decision to create a song that would appeal to a wide audience.

“Steward of Fire” stands as a testament to Tarleton's enduring legacy. With its thoughtful lyrics and contemporary sound, the song serves as a reminder to all Texans, past, present and future, that they are stewards of the university's flame of learning.