Chancellor’s Medallion and the Ceremonial Mace
The Chancellor’s Medallion and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Ceremonial Mace were both handcrafted by Henry M. Runke, former chairman of the UW-Stevens Point Art Department. The medallion was cast in a 14k gold pendant in 1968 and contains a purple amethyst to represent the school colors. The four-sectioned areas beginning near the center symbolize the four colleges of the university and terminate as prongs for the gem. The mace, carried by the grand marshal in academic processions, was completed in 1976 and has a square base on which important dates from the school’s history are recorded. The most prominent feature is the head of the mace, which is a miniature of the cupola on Old Main, the university’s symbol. The inside of the mace also contains a purple amethyst.
Cupola Replica Commissioned by Chancellor Bernie L. Patterson, 2012 Cupola by Joseph Hoover, artisan Weather vane by Boleslaw Kochanowski and sons, artisans Bill McKee, consultant
The cupola replica that resides in Old Main was created from materials significant to the university and surrounding communities: white ash and elm from campus; white pine from Marathon Park in Wausau; lead curtain weights from Jenkins Theatre in the Noel Fine Arts Center; slate from a chalkboard in the Communication Arts Center; and hemlock from the former Lullabye Furniture factory. The original weather vane stood atop Old Main for 118 years and was replaced in 2011. The replica iron weather vane is a one-fifth scale model of the original.
It is a tradition for first-year students to seal their commitment to the university by touching the cupola replica as they depart from Convocation. Faculty and staff renew their commitment in a similar fashion. A bookend tradition is observed upon graduation as students become alumni and receive a pin bearing the iconic symbol. This represents the use of their knowledge to engage responsibly with a diverse and sustainable world. On special nights the cupola atop Old Main shines purple in honor of all those the university has served and our bright future ahead. On Commencement night, the cupola is lit in honor of the graduates.
Winter 2024 Commencement 20
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