The silver medallion worn by the president of the Colorado School of Mines at this formal occasion and others is a symbol of the School's presidential office.

The medallion was designed by Dr. Rex Bull, an emeritus professor in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, and cast by students in that department using silver donated by the Colorado School of Mines Alumni Association.

It was first used at the inauguration of Dr. George S. Ansell as the thirteenth president of the School on February 8, 1985.

On May 5, 1984, the Colorado School of Mines inaugurated use of the University Mace.

Carried by Susan A. Smith, Registrar, the Mace, symbol of academic authority, stands four feet, eight inches tall and weighs sixteen pounds.

The core is a rosewood staff, covered by fitted brass and cast bronze, silver plated, and topped by Blaster, the rendering of the School's mascot by sculptor Manuel Martinez.

CSM Professor Emeritus Robert Taylor executed the design and Emil Dangreau produced the finished standard with the official school seal photoengraved on the base of the staff.

As a symbol of academic authority, the mace comes out of a rich history.

Dr. David A. Lockmiller in his definitive Scholars on Parade recounts:

The mace, which is now being used by several colleges and universities in the United States, has an ancient history as a symbol of authority.

Originally it was a weapon of offense, made of iron and capable of breaking armor.

It was a giant club, which came to be associated with brave men who fought to protect the king's person.

Maces were borne by sergeants-at-arms to protect Phillip II of France and Richard I of England.

The use of maces for civic purposes began about the middle of the thirteenth century.

By the sixteenth century or earlier they were covered with silver and used by several cities.

In 1649, the House of Commons obtained a mace, and in 1756, a silver mace was made for the Colony of South Carolina, which is still used in the state capitol of Columbia. The famous mace of the Lord Mayor of London is made of crystal and gold and set with pearls.

As a symbol of authority, the mace usually has arms engraved on or near the top and these or a cross may be protected by a coronet or arched crown. In commencement processions the mace is carried before the president or chancellor and the dignitaries composing the platform party.

The British term "beadle", to mean mace bearer, is not generally used in the United States.

The mace is but an additional note of pomp in academic life. Along with historic and colorful costumes, flags, and regalia of office, it stands for order and authority in the never-ending pageantry of scholars on parade.