Symbolism and Tradition
Procession
A traditional academic procession introduces the commencement exercises at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The wearing of distinctive apparel as an indication of scholarship and academic rank dates back to the 1300s and was adopted in the United States circa 1900.
Gown
The Minnesota State University, Mankato President’s Academic Gown has been specially constructed of heirloom-quality materials for use during formal academic occasions. The bachelor’s gown is relatively simple, falling in straight lines from an elaborate yoke. The master’s gown is distinguished by its longer sleeves. The doctoral gown is purple, elaborately decorated with velvet panels down the front and three bars of matching velvet on the bell-shaped sleeves.
Mortarboard and Tassel
The square “Oxford cap” or mortarboard of serge or broadcloth is worn for most degrees, although a soft tam is also permitted. The tassel that hangs to the side is switched from the right to the left at the moment the degree is awarded. The color of the tassel indicates the college or area from which a student will receive his or her degree.
Hood
The hood is to be worn by graduates of the College of Graduate Studies and Research. The color of the hood worn by Master’s and Doctoral graduates indicates the degree. The velvet edging on the hoods indicate the specialty of study.
Mace
The Minnesota State University, Mankato mace has been made entirely from Minnesota materials in recognition of the value and beauty of the state’s natural resources and people. A university mace symbolizes both the university’s power to overcome ignorance and prejudice by seeking truth, and the power of the university’s president to protect the university and its community from forces opposed to those goals. The mace used in Minnesota State Mankato's ceremonies was commissioned and donated to the University by Fred and Karin Bock. The mace was created by Phil Swan ‘68.
Presidential Medallion
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Medallion is a round bronze piece that features the University seal and is worn around the neck of the President. The University seal is the official representation of Minnesota State University, Mankato, and use of it or its image is reserved for only the most dignified of occasions.
Minnesota State University, Mankato Flag
The Minnesota State University, Mankato flag features the University seal against a field of purple, one of the designated colors of the University. The flag was commissioned in honor of the October 2003 Inauguration of Dr. Richard Davenport to symbolize the President’s chosen direction for his term. The seal is the official representation of Minnesota State University, Mankato and is used sparingly and with dignity. It represents our past and our future and symbolizes our strength and global perspective.
International Flags
The international flags represent countries and sovereign nations of our students. All 11 Minnesota Reservation flags are represented in traditional graduation ceremonies.
Honor Guard
The special honor guard that presents our national colors is from the Department of Military Science, Maverick Battalion, Army ROTC.
Faculty Honor Marshal
A faculty member from each college serves as an ambassador during their college’s commencement ceremony and sits on stage with the platform party. Being a Faculty Honor Marshal is an esteemed privilege and is typically granted to a tenured professor or highly regarded individual.
