Board of Trustees
Nancy A. Dunleavy, Chair
Vladimir S. Bien-Aime
Barbara Buckley, RSM
Deanne H. D'Emilio, JD
Joseph L. England, CPA
Eileen Foley Guest '68
Rosemary Herron, RSM '73
John C. S. Kepner, JD
Michael B. Laign
David Mallach
Rose Martin, RSM, PhD '74
Mary Ann McGinley-Fitzpatrick '76
Charlotte O. McKines
Susan M. Meitner
Helen Piszek Nelson '92/'93
Ellen Stang, MD
Margaret Taylor, RSM, JD '67
Oscar P. Vance, Jr.
H. Ray Welch
Denise Allen Williams
Sally W. Williams
William J. Avery, LHD '12, Emeritus
Barbara B. McHale, MBA, Secretary
The University Mace
The ceremonial mace has been used as a symbol of authority for centuries. Official
emblems were carried before ancient Roman magistrates, and in the Middle Ages,
ceremonial maces were borne by bodyguards of French and English monarchs. Later, the
mace became an important symbol of office in both civil and academic processions. One of
the oldest traditions in academia, dating from 1385 at the University of Vienna, the mace
is meant to reflect the character and values of an institution.
Carried for the first time in the commencement of 1976, the mace of Gwynedd Mercy
University was designed and executed by Richard G. Moyer, a member of the University
staff from 1947 to 1980. Because of the natural beauty of the grain, rosewood was selected
for the mace. Fastened to the top is a replica of the University seal in bronze. Red and gold
ribbons, Gwynedd Mercy University’s colors, give a tone of festivity to formal occasions.
Academic Regalia
Academic dress stems from the clerical robes of the Middle Ages when the hood was worn
raised for protection in drafty halls. The American code of academic dress was developed
in 1895 by an intercollegiate commission and has been modified over the years.
The Gown – The bachelor’s gown is relatively simple and has only pointed sleeves. Master’s
gowns were formerly distinguished by long, dangling sleeves with a slit at the elbow through
which the arm emerged; an opening may now be made at the wrist and both versions are in
general use. The doctoral gown is a more elaborate costume marked by velvet panels down
the front and around the neck as well as by three velvet bars on the bell-shaped sleeves.
Some institutions have in recent years authorized doctor’s gowns in colors other than the
customary black. Additionally, the president’s gown is distinguished by four velvet bars
on the sleeves.