WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SEAL
The West Virginia University Board of Regents adopted the seal on June 15, 1869. The Regents’ original, handwritten resolution is located in the University Archives at the Wise Library. The Greek motto inscribed in the inner circle translates to: “Add to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge.” The Latin verse inscribed on the outer circle translates to: “Seal of the West Virginia University. Established 7 February, 1867.” The hills depicted behind Woodburn Circle reflect the institution’s stability, and a rising sun indicates its prosperity.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY MACE
The mace is a symbolic tradition that originated during the Middle Ages. The University Marshal brings this ornamental staff of authority to the platform and taps it three times to signify the beginning of the ceremony. It represents the official authority of the University president and precedes him or her during Commencement and inauguration.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC REGALIA
The history of academic regalia worn today dates to the Middle Ages. The oldest universities of northern Europe evolved from ecclesiastical institutions where both faculty and students were regarded as part of the clergy and dressed in clerical garb. The head covering of modern academic costume was developed from the skullcap worn by the clergy in cold weather to protect their tonsured heads. At universities, this skullcap acquired a point on top, which gradually evolved into a tassel. The bonnet with tassel is still worn by some, but the mortarboard is more common. The gown worn today evolved from the habit worn by Benedictine monks. No trimming is found on bachelor’s or master’s gowns, but for those holding doctoral degrees, the gown is faced down the front and trimmed on the sleeves with velvet. Today’s hood is colored according to the scholarly field of the individual and bears the official colors of the institution that conferred the degree.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC PROCESSIONAL
The sequence of the processional is as follows: deans, degree candidates, faculty, platform party, honored guests and University president.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY MARSHALS
The tradition of academic marshals comes from storied English universities. The Grand Marshal is the chief protocol officer who coordinates the ceremonial traditions of Commencement, including the processional and recessional. The Grand Marshal is also responsible for the school’s relics, including the mace and batons. Marshals are typically members of the faculty. Student marshals may be selected to help facilitate individual ceremonies.
Grand Marshal
- Chad N. Proudfoot
University Marshals
- Kashy Aminian
- Ilkin Bilgesu
- Matthew Blommel
- Clifton Bishop
- Damien Clement
- Amy Fiske
- Aaron Gale
- Robert Gerbo
- Margaret Glenn
- Joe Hagan
- General McArthur Hambrick
- Hillar Klandorf
- Kevin Larkin
- Michael McCawley
- Marjorie McDiarmid
- Jessica Morgan
- Susan Morgan
- Joy Maramba
- Graham Peace
- Jeffrey Petersen
- Susan Pinto
- Charles Ponte
- Brenda Priett
- Jessica Queener
- Andrew Shiemke
- John Stallings
- Mary Strife
- Robert Wanker