Academic Symbols

Regalia

Stylized academic costume is a notable feature of formal functions at colleges and universities throughout the world. The custom of wearing distinctive regalia for academic ceremonies goes back to the Middle Ages when people dressed according to their social classes: nobility, clergy, and common folk. There was an intimate relationship between the early universities and the church. Initially, all university teachers were clerics, so the garb adopted for scholars was similar to that of the clergy. In addition, the costume served a practical purpose: heavy gowns, hoods, and caps were essential for the scholars who lived, studied, and taught in unheated buildings.

The basic design of academic costume in the United States was first established in 1895 when leading colleges adopted a set of standards called the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Attire. Under this code, the bachelor’s gown is without ornament, has long, pointed sleeves, and is designed to be worn closed. The master’s gown has a longer but oblong sleeve that conveys the appearance of a short sleeve. The rear part of its oblong shape is square-cut, while the front part has an arc cut away. The doctor’s gown has bell-shaped sleeves. Like the master’s gown, it may be worn open or closed. Bachelor’s and master’s gowns are untrimmed, while the doctor’s gown usually is faced down the front with lapels of velvet and has three velvet bars on the sleeves.

The bachelor’s hood is three–feet long, the master’s three and a half. The doctor’s hood is four–feet long and has wide side panels. The lining of the hood is silk in the colors of the institution conferring the degree. The hood’s velvet border indicates the major field of study. Fields of learning are indicated by color: white for arts, letters, and humanities; drab for business administration; copper for economics; light blue for education; orange for engineering; brown for fine arts; purple for law; green for medicine; pink for music; dark blue for philosophy; peach for public service; golden yellow for science; and scarlet for theology.

Presidential Medallion

The president wears the Presidential Medallion at Commencement and Convocation. It bears the seal of Lebanon Valley College and College motto, John 8:32, which reads, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The medallion represents the prestige of LVC.

Mace of Ebony and Silver

The Mace of Ebony and Silver is used every year at Commencement. In 1957, Dr. V. Earl Light, Class of 1916, designed the current mace. The silver orb that sits atop the ebony stand is adorned with the College seal and a torch of learning, representing the basic standards of the College. The mace is topped with a cross that represents LVC’s religious origins. Overall, the Mace of Ebony and Silver represents the College’s traditions and ideals.