Being chosen a Torchbearer is the highest honor a student at the university can receive. Torchbearers are seniors who represent the best of the student body in service, achievement, and leadership. Torchbearers were first chosen in 1931. The first Torchbearer Reunion was held October 4–6, 1986, at which time 477 Torchbearers had been named, and more than half were in attendance. In addition, the Volunteer Statue is sometimes referred to as the torchbearer.