President's Medallion
The President's Medallion is a traditional academic symbol of the authority and responsibility of the presidency. Typically, a President's Medallion is presented at the President's Inauguration signaling the beginning of a newly appointed president's tenure in office.
The Cornerstone University President's Medallion is worn whenever the president participates in ceremonies involving the use of academic regalia, including all such services held by other educational institutions on their campuses or in nearby facilities.
The Cornerstone University President's Medallion was first used in 1992, during President Rex M. Rogers' second year as president of then Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary. This medallion featured a three-part design portraying a shield with the inscription, “The Sword of the Spirit,” an image of the globe, and an image of an open Bible in front of which was a book on which sat a lamp of learning. Around the edge of this round, black-faced, bronze medallion was inscribed “Office of President” and “G.R.B.C. & S.” This medallion was worn with a dark blue ribbon lanyard.
When the institution's name was changed in 1994, an entirely new medallion was designed, featuring the name Cornerstone College around the bottom edge of a round, blue-faced, bronze medallion. Across the top of the medallion the words “Office of the President” were inscribed. Other medallion elements included the institution's motto: Excellens Academica cum Commisso Christo, translated “Academic Excellence with Christian Commitment,” leafy branches implying growth, a torch as a symbol of the light of learning, and an open Bible, all of which were bracketed by a shield of faith. It was worn with a gold metal chain lanyard.
In 1999, when the institution became Cornerstone University, a new President's Medallion was developed as pictured on this page. This polished gold-look metal medallion features scalloped edges, the name Cornerstone University around the top of the medallion and the university's founding date, 1941, around the bottom. The center of the medallion portrays the same elements as were used in the 1994 college version: the words “Office of the President,” the university's motto in Latin, leafy branches, a shield, an open Bible and a torch as a symbol of the light of learning. It is worn with a gold metal chain lanyard.
The President's Medallion is one of the grand traditions of higher education. Most presidents consider wearing the President's Medallion a distinguishing highlight of their careers and an honorable symbol of their temporary stewardship of their university's leadership.
© Cornerstone University, 2005
