2 6 | VA L D O S T A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y The Mace The mace has evolved through the years from a “hand combat” weapon of the middle ages, employed by archers and other unmounted warriors, to a club- shaped staff used as a symbol of authority by legislative, religious, academic, and other assemblies to give a ceremonial character to official functions. The Valdosta State University Alumni Association commissioned Hollis Barnett, VSU professor of art, to design and sculpt the mace. It was first used at the June 12, 1994 commencement ceremony presided over by President Hugh C. Bailey. The design of the Valdosta State University mace is based on the dome of West Hall. It was sculpted by hand in wax and cast in bronze using the lost wax casting process. Black onyx and red carnelian stones, representing the University’s colors, are set into the bronze. The shaft is carved in a dark mahogany. The mahogany base is engraved with the University’s logo. The mace is carried by a VSU faculty marshal for ceremonial occasions. The President’s Chain of Office The President’s Chain of Office is based on the university seal and a rendition of West Hall, the centerpiece of VSU’s campus. The antiqued sterling silver medallion, crafted by Medallic Art Co., made its debut in 2008. The first use of the seal occurred in 1955 and was used until the 1960s, when it was no longer featured on official documents. In 1987, the seal reappeared as a simple image of the West Hall Dome and Star with “Valdosta State College; Valdosta, Georgia; 1906” around the outside of the image. In 1992, shadows and palm leaves were added to enhance the image. The seal was last modified in 1993 to reflect VSU’s university status. Valdosta State University Founded in 1906, Valdosta State University celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006. The VSU Centennial was an opportunity to appreciate and honor the living legacy of its founders. These individuals not only rallied public resources for what would become a major regional university, but they also established ongoing partnerships for both continued community and private support to the university. VSU, a comprehensive university of the University System of Georgia, was established as an institution of higher learning. The institution officially opened in 1913 and was called South Georgia State Normal College. Between the years of 1913 and 1950, the institution underwent two name changes. On July 1, 1993, the Board of Regents authorized Valdosta State College to become Valdosta State University. Today VSU’s enrollment is over 10,000 students. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 with more than 600 highly qualified, talented and motivated faculty. VSU has six academic colleges: the College of the Arts; the College of Humanities & Social Sciences; the College of Science & Mathematics; the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration; the James L. & Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education & Human Services; and the College of Nursing & Health Sciences; plus the University College. Degrees are offered at all levels, from the associate to the doctorate. The University consists of two major campus areas, north and main campus, located less than a mile apart as well as numerous satellite facilities. In all, 87 buildings house the varied activities of the University. VSU Alumni Association Upon graduation, you will join over 65,000 other Valdosta State graduates as a member of the VSU Alumni Association. The Association does not require you to pay dues to be a member, but encourages you to give back through the annual fund each year. The Alumni Association has implemented chapters across the Southeastern United States in Atlanta, South Georgia, Middle Georgia, and Savannah, as well as a combined Coastal chapter, which includes Jacksonville and the Golden Isles. Events are planned throughout the year to keep alumni engaged across the state and beyond in order to grow the Blazer community. Stay connected! Follow Valdosta State alumni on all your social media networks and tell us when you move, marry, or get a new job so we can celebrate your successes with you. To ensure you receive the most up to date information from the office of Alumni Relations, be sure to provide us with your current contact information by visiting www.valdostastate.org and create your personal alumni account. Congratulations! We look forward to seeing you at an alumni event near you!
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