2020 UC Merced Commencement Program

THE SEAL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

e University of California has used two di erent seals over its lifetime. e present seal, which was authorized to be designed in 1903, was put into use in 1910. Designed by Ti any and Company, the seal incorporates symbolic icons and phrases that represent the portrait of the image of the University. e open book is symbolic of the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge; the letter "A" highlighted in the text of the book represents the beginning of wisdom. Above the book is a ve-pointed star emanating rays of light, which also represents the discovery and sharing of knowledge. e English translation of the university motto, "Fiat Lux," or "Let ere be Light" is displayed upon a scroll, representing the coming of light, knowledge and wisdom into the world. e date upon the seal is the founding date of the University.

THE CHANCELLOR’S MEDAL

e chancellor’s medal is worn at ceremonial observances as a part of the chancellor’s regalia. At the center is the University of California seal. e back of the medal displays the names of the campus’ chancellors and year he or she was inaugurated.

THE UC MERCED MACE

e academic mace’s symbolism is derived from the mythological club of Hercules. During European medieval times, Maces began to be used for civil purposes and were carried in processions of city mayors and of other dignitaries. Eventually the Mace became a symbol also for academic institutions, an emblem of order and authority in the pageantry of ceremonial occasions. e scepter on the mace stands for lawful power and regal authority, and was carried by Zeus, the Greek God of moral law and order. Most academic maces take the same general shape. At the top is an ornament placed on a bulbous head; ring-shaped enlargements are found on the sha ; and the base is a round, foliated ornament. e UC Merced Mace was a gi from the Class of 2008, to represent the history, ideals and goals of the university. Local woodworker, Pope Lawrence, designed and created the ceremonial mace. e UC Merced Mace was turned and assembled from walnut wood. e mace head is from a tree grown in the Central Valley area near Le Grande and the wood for the sha came from a tree grown in Petaluma. e mace has a chancellor’s medal inset in the head and a California Sesquicentennial “Diversity” Coin in the base.