b'v AlDoStAS tAteu niverSity t hem ACeFounded in 1906, Valdosta State University celebrated its 100thThe mace has evolved through the years from anniversary in 2006. The VSU Centennial was an opportunity toa hand combat weapon of the middle ages, appreciate and honor the living legacy of its founders. These individualsemployed by archers and other unmounted not only rallied public resources for what would become a majorwarriors, to a club-shaped staff used as a regional university, but they also established ongoing partnerships forsymbol of authority by legislative, religious, both continued community and private support to the university. academic, and other assemblies to give a ceremonial character to official functions.VSU, a comprehensive university of the University System of Georgia, was established as an institution of higher learning. TheThe Valdosta State University Alumni institution officially opened in 1913 and was called South GeorgiaAssociation commissioned Hollis Barnett, State Normal College. Between the years of 1913 and 1950, theVSU professor of art, to design and sculpt institution underwent two name changes. On July 1, 1993, thethe mace. It was first used at the June 12, Board of Regents authorized Valdosta State College to become1994 commencement ceremony presided Valdosta State University. over by President Hugh C. Bailey.Today VSUs enrollment is over 11,000 students. The universityThe design of the Valdosta State University maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 with more thanmace is based on the dome of West Hall. 600 highly qualified, talented and motivated faculty. VSU hasIt was sculpted by hand in wax and cast six academic colleges: the College of the Arts; the Collegein bronze using the lost wax casting of Humanities & Social Sciences; the College of Science &process. Black onyx and red carnelian stones, Mathematics; the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Businessrepresenting the Universitys colors, are set into the bronze. The shaft Administration; the James L. & Dorothy H. Dewar College ofis carved in a dark mahogany. The mahogany base, is engraved with Education & Human Services; and the College of Nursing &the Universitys logo.Health Sciences; plus the Honors College. Degrees are offered at all levels, from the associate to the doctorate.The mace is carried by a VSU faculty marshal for ceremonial occasions. The University consists of two major campus areas, north and main campus, located less than a mile apart as well as numerous satellitet hep reSiDentSC hAin ofo ffiCefacilities. In all, 87 buildings house the varied activities of the University.The Presidents Chain of Office is based on the university seal and vSu A lumniA SSoCiAtion a rendition of West Hall, the centerpiece of VSUs campus. The antiqued sterling silver medallion, crafted by Medallic Art Co., made Upon graduation, you will join over 65,000 other Valdosta Stateits debut in 2008.graduates as a member of the VSU Alumni Association. The Association does not require you to pay dues to be a member, butThe first use of the seal occurred in 1955 and was used until the encourages you to give back through the annual fund each year. 1960s, when it was no longer featured on official documents. In 1987, the seal reappeared as a simple image of the West Hall Dome The Alumni Association has implemented chapters across theand Star with Valdosta State College; Valdosta, Georgia; 1906 Southeastern United States in Atlanta, South Georgia, Middlearound the outside of the image. In 1992, shadows and palm leaves Georgia, and Savannah, as well as a combined Coastal chapter,were added to enhance the image. The seal was last modified in 1993 which includes Jacksonville and the Golden Isles. Events are plannedto reflect VSUs university status.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, download the V-State alumni app. on your mobile devices, and tell us when you move, marry, or get a new job so that 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!230TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY| 45'