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Symbols of the University

The Cornell Mace and Baton
Cornell University Charter, 1865
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Inaugurating the Presidents

Symbols of the University

The Cornell Mace and Baton

The Cornell Mace and Baton were designed by Sir Eric Clements of the Goldsmiths' Guild of London in 1962 at the request of President Malott, under the direction of George Healey, Professor of English and Curator of Rare Books, with the assistance of George J. Hucker, Professor of Bacteriology and Chief in Research at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva.

The Mace consists of a tapered silver shaft surmounted by a golden terrestrial globe. The silver ribs surrounding the globe symbolize the universality of Cornell's interests and the worldwide affiliations of its faculty, students, staff, and alumni. At the top of the shaft, the Cornell Bear holds an oar. The University Mace and Baton were first presented as the symbols of university authority at the Inauguration of President James A. Perkins in 1963 and have been used at Commencements and Inaugurations since then.

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The Cornell Mace
The Cornell University Mace, designed in 1962 by silversmith Sir Eric Clements.

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The Cornell Baton
The Cornell University Baton, designed in 1962 by silversmith Sir Eric Clements.

Photograph by Robert Barkin, University Photography

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