The mace
The mace symbolizes the authority of the faculty in academic matters and the practice of shared governance within the college. It was carried into the inauguration ceremony by John Syring, professor of biology and chair of the Faculty Executive Council. It was created by the late Professor Nils Lou of the Department of Art. The head is cast bronze depicting a hand balancing a Mobius strip, “Reaching for Excellence.” The staff is stained oak.
The flags
In addition to the flags representing the United States and the state of Oregon, the processional featured international and study abroad students carrying the flags of their respective countries.
The medallion
The insignia of the office of the President of Linfield College is a large medallion, suspended on a chain. A college medallion has been worn by the president at ceremonial occasions since 1970.
Academic regalia
Today’s academic regalia had its origins in ecclesiastical dress, with gowns worn for warmth in unheated buildings used by medieval scholars. The bachelor’s gown is black and has long pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is also black with oblong sleeves. The doctor’s gown may be the official color of the institution which granted the degree with three velvet bars stitched on bell-shaped sleeves.
Rather than wear the customary gown and hood of The George Washington University, where he received his Ph.D. in organizational behavior and management, President Davis wore a custom Linfield College gown and hood for inauguration.
