Linked Version.pmd - Stockton College

Presidential MedallionThe Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s new Presidential Medallionwas created for the College’s fourth president, Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr.,and pictures the College Seal cast in bronze with a satin gold finish. Thesix smaller medallions picture the components of the College seal. Thebanner components of the Presidential Medallion list the names and datesof service of Stockton’s four presidents: Richard E. Bjork, 1969-1978;Peter M. Mitchell, 1979-1983; Vera King Farris, 1983-2003; and HermanJ. Saatkamp, Jr., 2003 to the present. The first Presidential Medallion ofthe Richard Stockton College of New Jersey was presented to the College’sthird president, Dr. Farris, and worn for the first time at the Spring 1990CommencementMaceThe origins of the mace can be traced to the Middle Ages when knightswielded maces as weapons. As knighthood became obsolete, the macebecame symbolic of power. It is now a traditional symbol of authority inchurches, government and colleges.The mace which is carried by the Faculty Grand Marshal at the Stocktoncommencement is the work of Ned Gerber, Port Republic woodcarverwho served on the founding committee of the College. The three-footshaft of the Stockton mace is crafted from walnut and holly, woods whichare indigenous to southern New Jersey. The walnut is from a century-oldtree hewn by Tom Lang of the Stockton staff. Pewter, the metal employed in our mace, was a popularand practical metal here in colonial times.Stockton's mace is crowned with the flame of knowledge, carved in holly, to denote mission. At thefoot is a carved acorn which indicates growth. Below the flame of knowledge is a triad of Stocktonlogos, each a twin-treed symbol of environmental concern. Linked edge-to-edge and inlaid with holly,these symbols represent the three elements of the college community: students, faculty, and staff. TheGreat Seal of New Jersey, cast in pewter, signifies Stockton's aegis and sponsorship. A fluted section ofwalnut below the State Seal suggests the orderly plan each student chooses in pursuit of his degree andthe self-discipline necessary for achievement. Next is a pewter cylinder engraved with the names ofStockton's first three presidents. Finally, an engraved pewter nameplate ring identifies "RichardStockton State College founded 1969."