Traditional Symbols

In addition to the regalia and finery customarily worn by University faculty and officers, formal academic ceremonies often include colorful signs and symbols representing the history and traditions of university life as well as specific aspects of the university being celebrated.

Flags

At Pace University ceremonies, in addition to the flags of the United States, the state of New York, and of the University, the president is represented by a swallow-tail flag of a blue field with a gold border bearing the University seal in pale blue, ringed by the inscription “Office of the President.”

Each school/college within the University (College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, the School of Education, and the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems) is signified by a blue and gold banner with the school/college name and University logo.

Maces

The mace was developed as an armor-crushing weapon in the 13th century. Battle axes and maces were formidable chivalric tools of combat and warfare. They became symbols of authority, commanding attention and respect for the bearer, and were associated with those responsible for protecting the king’s person. By the 16th century, maces were ornately designed and decorated with jewels and precious metals, often crafted with elegant architectural motifs.

At Pace University, the dean for students carries two maces. One is a replica of a Gothic battle mace with a head formed by five flanges, topped by a fluted conical finial. The rondel consists of a rusticated wood shaft attached to a metal cylindrical base, all of which is brass plated and inscribed with the words “Pace University.” The mace was introduced in 1968 at the first commencement held on the Pleasantville Campus. The second mace was first used in 1927 at commencement exercises of Good Counsel College, which became the College of White Plains and which was consolidated in 1975 with Pace University. The brass and wood mace is topped by a sphere and a formée cross with a garnet at its center. The rondel, consisting of two brass sections separated by a ribbed wooden grip, has a sphere at its base, which bears the inscription “Pace University.” University marshals carry batons that represent the schools/colleges of the University. The University seal is mounted on each end of the baton, which is made of American walnut. The name of each person who has served as dean of the school/college is engraved on a brass plate affixed to the school/college baton.

Verge

The verge, an elongated mace or staff carried by the grand marshal, is made of Honduran rosewood. It is topped by a replica of a bronze-coated copper globe made in 1510, which is the earliest existing representation depicting the discoveries of Christopher Columbus in the Western Hemisphere. Beneath the globe, each Pace campus is represented by ribbons of the campus color: green for New York City, blue for Pleasantville, and red for White Plains. The upper section of the shaft is inlaid with rare woods representing the four reaches of the world: ebony, teak, olive, and oak.

The Centennial Medallion (retired)

The medallion was struck in commemoration of the University’s Centennial in 2006. Both the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the University President wore the Centennial Medallion, which is made of bronze and layered with silver plate. The face of the medallion is the Pace University seal and the reverse bears the engraved image of the Centennial mark.

The Centennial Staff

The University President carries an ornate staff that was crafted in 2006 to commemorate the University’s Centennial. The Centennial Medallion set in brass tops the staff, which is almost six feet in height and made ofsolid wood.

The presidential flag, verge, and school/college batons were designed by John Mulgrew, Professor of Fine Arts. The school/college banners were designed by Aliatu Burke. The Centennial staff was designed by David Grupper. The Centennial staff was crafted by Michael Fayed, Master Wood Turner.

Stephanie Allen

Ana B. Amaya

Christine Amendola

Belinda (Beau) Anderson

MaryAnn Aykwar

Ingrid Bell

Abbey Berg

Elizabeth Berro

Joshua Blair

Alyssa Burnham

Susan O. Cappelmann

Linda Carozza

Marie Lourdes Charles

Winifred Connerton

Christen Cooper

Jean Marie Covino

Laura Cvek

John Damiao

Lissette Dorfman

Lin Drury

Eileen C. Engelke

Lucille Ferrara

Cathy Finlayson

Keville Frederickson