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New USF mace breathes life into an ages-old commencement tradition
by Lisa Cunningham, April 1999

Pageantry, honor and celebration are timeless elements of the university's commencement ceremonies, highlighted in 1999 by the unveiling of the University of South Florida's new mace. The impressive ceremonial staff, origins of which can be traced to the Middle Ages, was unveiled during a USF Tampa campus commencement on May 1, 1999 at the Sun Dome.

Designed and crafted by Harrison Covington, former dean and professor in the College of Fine Arts, the new mace serves as a symbol of the growth and prosperity of the university and the incorporation of former practices with new traditions.

Covington, a Tampa native, began his career with the university in 1961. He served as the first chair of the Art department and was a key player in the department's transition from a division to a college. He also served as the dean of the College of Fine Arts before his retirement from the university in 1982.

At the request of the university's Faculty Senate, Covington started work on the new mace in 1998. He researched the historical significance and meaning of the academic mace and then crafted a clay-and-foam-board model that, in conjunction with New York silversmith Rob Butler, he would eventually transform into the university's new symbol. The 11-pound piece of mahogany, sterling silver and gilded silver was worth $9,500 at completion.

The tradition of the mace can be dated to Middle Ages kings, whose bodyguards would use a mace as an element of protection. It came to symbolize strength and authority. Gradually, universities adopted the use of a mace to show the right of academic institutions to grant degrees to graduates.

Covington designed USF's new mace to be used not only during commencement ceremonies, but also to serve as a representation of the university's responsibility to the future. The mace stands for a handing down of university responsibilities, Covington said. This new design also incorporates some of the central design ideas important during the early days of USF, including its official seal.

Designs of academic maces vary tremendously, but usually consist of a shaft topped with a large ornament representing the symbols of that institution's traditions and history. From the top of the ornate, hand-tooled spire to the bottom of the mahogany staff, the mace stands as an example of the university's strengths.

A gold pine cone at its top represents growth and continuity, said Covington. Eight silver semicircles, used as support structures for the pine cone, stand for the eight colleges in existence when the mace was commissioned.

The eight semicircles form a globe, visually referencing one in the original USF seal, which is mounted on both sides of a silver disc within the globe. The seal is supported by sun rays representing the Sunshine State and the original rising sun design of the first university seal. Covington also incorporated the state Legislature's mission for state universities by inscribing "Teaching-Research-Service" on a band, which supports the upper silver globe.

Covington suggested a ceremonial passing of the mace tradition be established with his work of art, which would be used to recognize the installation of future university presidents, as well as elections of Faculty Senate presidents and other university occasions.

When not in use, the mace is displayed in a tall glass case in the foyer of the president's office.

Being trusted with the project was significant, because it gave Covington the opportunity to continue his work with the university, he said.

"This was truly a continuation of what was started in 1961, when I first arrived here," Covington said. "As a native of the county, I got involved with USF because I thought it was important to support an educational institution that was giving chances to those who might not otherwise get an education."