SYMBOLS OF AUTHORITY
THE UNIVERSITY MACE AND PRESIDENTIAL CHAIN OF OFFICE
The University Mace and Presidential Chain of Office continue a tradition in academia which has its roots in the ancient and medieval universities. The mace, which symbolizes the heritage of the University and reaffirms the institution’s continuing commitments, is carried in academic processions by a senior ranking member of the faculty and displayed during all formal programs of the University. The Presidential Chain of Office, worn over the academic robe of the President after the official inauguration, symbolizes the high office of the President and reaffirms the community’s commitment to support the leader of the academic community. The Huston-Tillotson University Mace is 36-inches long and is made of sterling silver and partially gold-plated with rosewood and blue acrylic. The top of the mace is the shape of a bluebonnet, the Texas state flower. Below a short cylindrical neck is the inscription “Huston-Tillotson College 1875”. Five cone-shaped prongs protrude to remind us of the mace’s origin as a weapon. The academic programs of the University are depicted in the main part of the mace head that displays ten fields in two circles of five each. The lower end of the mace displays the gold-plated seal of Huston-Tillotson University. The Huston-Tillotson University Mace and Presidential Chain of Office were formally dedicated on Saturday, October 22, 1988, during the Service of Investiture of Dr. Joseph T. McMillan, Jr., fourth President of HT. The elements are dedicated to the memory of Judge W. St. John Garwood, a devoted friend and trustee of HT from 1965 to 1973, and the continuing legacy of Dr. John Q. Taylor King, Sr. for his outstanding service to the University.
COMMENCEMENT
The term commencement derives from a practice in the Medieval University here it was customary for a candidate for an academic degree to present a public lecture or disputation to the faculty and other scholars gathered to hear it If the disputation was successfully defended and accepted, the candidate was admitted to the degree with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities hereunto appertaining. The first public lecture or disputation was originally called an “Inception.” It signified the beginning of the Commencement of the scholar’s academic career in the degree to which he had been admitted. The ceremony surrounding this inception or “graduation” has subsequently come to the be called Commencement.
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