The mace and collar used in today’s ceremonies were commissioned by the Alumni Development Fund on the occasion of the retirement of George Lynn Cross as seventh president of the University. Both pieces were created by Joe Atteberry, formerly with the School of Art.
Worn by the president of the University as a symbol of his authority, the sterling silver collar and medallion is composed of the University Seal in the center surrounded by links containing symbols of the University.
The mace, carried by the chairpersons of the Faculty Senate as a symbol of the faculty authority, is made of sterling silver, ebony and ivory. The native semiprecious stones clustered above the seal represent the variety of the disciplines of the academic community.
These items are more than just symbols to represent the authority of the presidency and the faculty. They are a reminder of the people’s faith in education, in responsibility of the presidential office and in the guardianship of the University by the State of Oklahoma.
