History & traditions
History & Traditions
“Inauguration: In a long tradition . . .”
Past inaugural ceremonies at the University, like the presidents they have honored, have had their own distinct character and flair. Here's a glance back at a few memorable moments. (From Currents, September 19, 2005)
The Mace
The mace, originally a weapon of defense, has in modern times become a symbol of authority, dignity, and privilege. English universities have used maces in academic processions for many centuries. The University's present mace was first used at the induction of Alan Valentine as president in 1935 and has been used in academic processions since that time.
Philip Merz, designer of many of the architectural features of the early River Campus buildings, designed the University's mace. It is approximately four feet in length and made of mahogany and hand-wrought silver. On the head is the University seal and below is a silver band with the engraved names of past University presidents. The dandelion, floral symbol of the University, is used as the decorative motif of the silver work.
The mace is carried by the University marshal as a symbol of authority. The baton, carried by the associate marshal, is slightly less than two feet in length and is made of mahogany studded with silver dandelions and stars.
Academic Regalia
Programs such as the Inaugural Convocation celebrating the installation of Joel Seligman as the University's tenth president are patterned after ceremonies that began in the twelfth century in British universities.
In medieval times, monks, students, members of artisan guilds, and royalty wore long robes and hoods as protection against the cold, drafty rooms and corridors of unheated stone structures.
While gowns in black are still traditional for students receiving bachelor's and master's degrees at commencement, many leading universities, like Rochester, have distinctive academic attire for doctoral degree graduates and for the academic and governing officials of their institutions.
The gowns are a rich, deep blue, with wide, bell-shaped sleeves and black velvet trimming on the front facing. Accenting each sleeve are three velvet cross bars in dandelion yellow, echoing the University flower. The President's gown is different from all others in two respects: It has four, rather than three, stripes on the sleeves, and its lapels are embroidered with his inaugural logo, a design taken from architectural details of the River Campus. The hats are a soft tam of blue velvet in the shape of a hexagon with a gold tassel.
