Photos From This Story -- Pomp And Circumstance

Kennesaw GA

06 May, 2022

5:51 PM

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Press release from Kennesaw State University: Change text alignment 1 Columns 2 Columns Dropcaps Info Box Call Out Style Remove group Move This Group Up Move This Group Down Group Title (Optional) Each semester at Kennesaw State University is capped by thousands of new graduates crossing the Convocation Center stage in the time-honored tradition of Commencement. These ceremonies are packed with customs and regalia unique to the occasion. As more than 3,500 students prepare to receive their diplomas next week, take a moment to become familiar with some of the traditions observed following the School of Music Brass Ensemble's rendition of "Pomp and Circumstance." Drag and drop to replace this photo You can only add one photo Browse Finish Group Title (Optional) Each semester at Kennesaw State University is capped by thousands of new graduates crossing the Convocation Center stage in the time-honored tradition of Commencement. These ceremonies are packed with customs and regalia unique to the occasion. As more than 3,500 students prepare to receive their diplomas next week, take a moment to become familiar with some of the traditions observed following the School of Music Brass Ensemble's rendition of "Pomp and Circumstance." Change text alignment 1 Columns 2 Columns Dropcaps Remove group Move This Group Up Move This Group Down Group Title (Optional) Commencement Bagpiper After all graduates have entered the Convocation Center, a processional led by the Commencement bagpiper enters the arena floor. The tradition traces its roots to the University's June 14, 1997 ceremony, when then-president Betty Siegel tapped Joel McGinnis to became the first person to hold the distinction of Commencement bagpiper. According to retired College of the Arts Dean Joseph Meeks, Siegel was inspired to introduce a bagpiper to give the ceremony a greater sense of regality. Norman Livermore took over bagpiping responsibilities in March 1998 until ultimately passing the role to the late Winter Taylor, who performed her duties in a distinctive yellow and black tartan kilt special made for the Commencement bagpiper. After Taylor's untimely passing in January 2012, a student of hers, Tom Crawford, took her place and has continued to serve in the role. Taylor's kilt has since been donated to the KSU Archives. Drag and drop to add more to this set Maximum of 9 photos per photo set Browse Finish Add New Photos Reorder Photos Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Type an optional group caption Group Title (Optional) Kennesaw State University Marshals and Batons Faculty members are chosen to serve as marshals and to assist in the ceremony. These marshals carry KSU batons, designed and crafted by professor emeritus of biology Bowman Davis. The hand-turned staffs are made out of walnut and feature a hand-carved owl complete with an ebony finish to reflect the styling of the University mace. The tips of the batons are finished in gold leaf, and topped with gold and black tassels. Change text alignment 1 Columns 2 Columns Dropcaps Remove group Move This Group Up Move This Group Down Group Title (Optional) Kennesaw State University Mace The chief faculty marshal carries the mace, which is a ceremonial staff and is symbolic of the rich traditions of higher education. This spring, the mace will be carried by Darina Lepadatu, professor of sociology, and Todd Harper, associate professor of English. The practice of carrying a mace dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was designed to be used as a weapon. It was carried by a respected senior member of the community who was chosen to protect and guide the leaders as their group traveled through crowded streets. The KSU mace was designed by Patrick Taylor, former chairman of the Department of Visual Arts, and hand-crafted on campus. The polished bronze handgrip is actually a stylized owl. The owl is Kennesaw State's mascot as well as the symbol of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The globe near the top of the mace represents graduates going out into the world. Topping the globe is the traditional symbol of higher education – a lamp of learning, with a flame representing the quest for knowledge. A large bronze medallion displaying the university seal is part of the globe, and the festive ribbons streaming from the crown that cradles the globe represent the university colors. Drag and drop to add more to this set Maximum of 9 photos per photo set Browse Finish Add New Photos Reorder Photos Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Type an optional group caption Change text alignment 1 Columns 2 Columns Dropcaps Remove group Move This Group Up Move This Group Down Group Title (Optional) Academic Cords, Stoles and Pins The caps and gowns worn at commencement connect contemporary graduates with scholarly tradition that dates back as long as universities have existed. However, graduates who have qualified for membership in registered student organization honor societies and department discipline honor programs often set themselves apart by wearing brightly colored honor cords, stoles and pins. Students who hold multiple memberships may wear multiple pieces of regalia. To learn which organization each color represents, click here. Drag and drop to add more to this set Maximum of 9 photos per photo set Browse Finish Add New Photos Reorder Photos Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Uploading Photo Reorder photo Add a link to this photo UnFill Row Remove Type an optional group caption Group Title (Optional) Gonfalons Banners suspended on a crossbar, gonfalons are another piece of medieval history that has been incorporated into academic tradition. The gonfalons reflect a timeless style, using the University's colors and representing the KSU colleges. Enjoy 👍 ✨ 15 Share this Story Email story Embed story Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share Story This press release was produced by Kennesaw State University. The views expressed here are the author's own.