Presenting and Displaying

The person who carries the university mace in academic ceremony is referred to as the “University Mace Bearer.” The selection of the mace bearer is made by the university deans and is a position of highest honor. A mace bearer will typically be a faculty or staff member but could also be a trustee or other friend of the university.

Mace bearers wear white gloves in order to preserve the finish of the mace. The mace bearer always carries the university mace at the front of the academic march, both processionals and recessionals, a few steps in front of the president of the university and a few steps behind musicians, who at times lead the march.

The mace bearer carries the mace in a comfortable, yet dignified manner, with the mace held slightly in front of himself or herself. The mace bearer grasps the mace with each hand at the hand-holds (the serpent and the rapids), carries the mace vertically with the crown at the top, and presents the mace with the three crosses facing forward.

The mace bearer walks with the mace carried in an upright position until the speaker’s platform is reached, whereupon the mace bearer faces the audience and continues to present the mace until all individuals in the academic march have reached their seats. At this point in the program, the mace bearer places the mace on its standard and takes his or her seat on the platform. The mace remains in its standard throughout all academic ceremonies.

The stand that holds the mace during the ceremony is called the mace standard. The mace standard is placed on the platform to the right of the primary podium.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the mace bearer moves to take up the mace in order to lead the recessional. After the recessional, or if there is no recessional scheduled, the mace bearer returns the mace to the “Mace Trustee,” a designated individual who is charged with caring for the mace before, during, and after the academic ceremony. This person is responsible for delivering the mace to the event location, for managing the proper handling and care of the mace during the ceremony, and for returning the mace to the Office of the University President after the ceremony.

The Office of the University President is responsible for securing, preserving, and displaying the university mace. The university mace is showcased throughout the year in its oak cabinet in the Office of the University President. From time to time, the Cornerstone University Mace is presented in other venues in order for the public to access and appreciate the beauty of the art and the meaning of its symbolism.

 

Introduction
A History of the University Mace
The Story of the University Mace
Telling a Story - Bottom to Top
Mace Bearer
Presenting and Displaying the University Mace
Expressions of Appreciation
A Word from Dr. Orpha Galloway