Ceremony Traditions

Ceremony

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  Marshals

  Faculty members are chosen to serve as marshals to assist with the ceremony. They lead the faculty and student processional lines while carrying a KSU Baton.
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  Kennesaw State University Batons

  The four batons were designed and crafted by Professor Emeritus of Biology Bowman Davis in honor of Daniel S. Papp's inauguration as the third KSU president. The hand-turned staffs are made of walnut and feature a hand-carved stylized owl complete with an ebony finish to reflect the styling of the mace. The tips of the batons are finished in gold leaf with gold and black tassels.
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  Kennesaw State University Mace

  The honor of leading the academic procession as Chief Faculty Marshal is given to the chair of the Faculty Senate. The marshal carries the mace to symbolize of rich traditions of higher education.

  The practice of carrying a mace dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally designed as a weapon, it was carried by a respected senior member of the community who was chosen to protect and guide the leaders as their group traveled through crowded streets.

  The KSU mace was designed by Patrick Taylor, former chairman of the Department of Visual Arts, and hand-crafted on campus. The polished bronze handgrip is a stylized owl, both KSU's mascot and the symbol of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

  The globe near the top of the mace represents graduates going out into the world. Topping the globe is the lamp of learning, a traditional symbol of higher education, with a flame representing the quest for knowledge. A large bronze medallion displaying the University seal is part of the globe, and the festive ribbons streaming from the crown that cradles the globe represent the University colors.
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  The Dais Party

  The dais party is the last group in the procession to enter the arena. The group consists of the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Registrar, deans of the colleges and invited honored guests, such as the commencement speaker. When members of the dais party reach their seats, the processional ends.
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  The Chain of Office

  The President of the University wears a gold chain and medallion around his or her neck, denoting the status of president and the presiding authority over the ceremony. The medallion bears the official University seal, which is an adaptation of the state seal of Georgia with Kennesaw Mountain in the background. The seal was designed by M. Thomson Salter III, Professor Emeritus of Art, and a charter member of the faculty.
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  Gonfalons

  Gonfalons, or banners suspended on a crossbar, are another piece of medieval history that have been incorporated into academic tradition. They reflect a timeless style, incorporate the university’s colors, Uand represent all 11 colleges at KSU.