Traditions

The College Seal

The seal includes the date of the college's founding, 1900, and a scene representing the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround campus. It also incorporates the philosophy of founder, Rev. Edgar Tufts—In Montibus, Ex Montibus, Pro Montibus. The motto forever connects the college to the mountains and its efforts to provide educational opportunities to the local community.

The Mace

With its roots as a weapon during the Middle Ages, the ceremonial mace evolved into a graceful object symbolizing the temporal and spiritual authority of the church. Cities adopted the use of maces to signify their own freedom and power. In the 17th century, colleges and universities began using maces to symbolize the trust and authority vested in the president, the educational tradition, and the academic strength of the college.

Designed and constructed in 1985, the Lees-McRae mace consists of a 4-inch bronze medallion bearing the college seal, which rests inside two rings of chestnut atop a hand-shaped chestnut staff. Bearing the mace is an honor usually reserved for the President of the Faculty Senate.

The Chain of Office

The origins of the chain of office date back to the Middle Ages. They are large metal necklaces worn by college and university presidents on ceremonial occasions as part of his or her official regalia. The chains of bronze, silver, or gold are usually custom-made to include school symbols. The presidential chain of Lees-McRae features a 4-inch bronze medallion of the institutional seal.

Order of the Tower

Order of the Tower is a presidential honor society established in 1962 by Professor Lewis Hall and Don Baker ’57. The organization consists of students with unquestionable integrity and a willingness to help better the Lees-McRae community. Leaders on campus, members serve as marshals for official programs, host visiting groups and dignitaries, and constantly strive to promote good public relations and the general welfare of the college.