On September 1, 1999, Northwest Nazarene University emerged from what had been Northwest Nazarene College. For the first time this year, as a result of the generosity of the graduating class of 2004 and an anonymous donor, the University Seal, the Presidential Medallion, and the University Mace all reflect the new name and status of Northwest Nazarene University.
The University Seal illustrated on the large black banner suspended at the back of the platform was adopted first by Northwest Nazarene College in 1937. In that year, student Helen McMichael (Robbins) won a ten dollar first prize with the design in a contest to choose a new institutional seal. In a 1960 letter now in the University archives, Mrs. Robbins wrote “[College President] DeLong gave a contest…to any student that wanted to enter …I drew the preliminary sketches and was selected to draw the college seal.” The seal has been used unaltered since that time except for the change in institutional name, and also serves as a significant reference point in the design of the Presidential Medallion and the new University Mace.
The Presidential Medallion is worn by the University President as a symbol of office. The Medallion worn by the University President is a gift from the graduating class of 2004. It is a representation of the University Seal struck on brushed antique brass and hung from the brass chain first used with the original college Presidential Medallion. Other University officials or honorees wear smaller medallions hung from ribbons in the University colors of red and black.
The University Mace is carried at formal academic events each year by the senior teaching faculty member of the University as a symbol of academic order and authority. Dr. Marvin Stallcop is the current bearer of the University Mace. The tradition of a mace as a symbol of institutional authority is an ancient one. A mace is often carried in academic and ecclesiastical processions, particularly in English-speaking countries, and frequently before magistrates in the United Kingdom. In the sessions of the British House of Commons, the mace is placed on the treasury table, and in the U.S. House of Representatives it is placed to the right of the speaker.
Northwest Nazarene University’s mace was created from black walnut and brass by NNU alumnus Merlin Hanson with design assistance from Elizabeth Reisch and Rodney Schramm. The design of the new University Mace is meant to replicate the torch illustrated on the University Seal. “Northwest Nazarene University” is engraved on the upper band which encircles the base of the torch. On the lower band are engraved the Greek words which translate Seek the Kingdom, a reference to NNU’s slogan Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God. As part of the process of inaugurating the new University Mace, emeriti faculty have been asked to submit hand-written insights, quotations, scripture references or other words of wisdom which have been placed in the hollow center of the brass shaft of the mace. Currently, the mace contains over 25 scripture references, quotations, or insights from emeritus faculty members, and additional items will be added as additional emeriti are named.
The Academic Regalia worn by faculty and students and officers of the University at academic functions dates back to the Middle Ages. The academic gown in America has traditionally been black, although many universities have now authorized doctoral gowns in the universities' own colors. The cut of the gown identifies the degree. The bachelor's gown has pointed sleeves and is worn closed. The master's gown has oblong-cut sleeves and is worn open or closed. The doctoral gown, which is also worn open or closed, has bell-shaped sleeves, usually crossed with bands of velvet.
The hood is the most distinctive feature of academic attire in the United States. It was once a cowl that could be thrown over the head for warmth, but is now worn only for decorative purposes, thrown over the back and suspended from the shoulders. The length of the hood indicates the level of the degree. The color of the velvet border identifies the field of learning in which the degree was earned. These colors include: Scarlet for theology; White for arts, letters and humanities; Gold for science; Light Blue for education; Copper for economics; Dark Blue for philosophy; Light Brown for business; Citron for social service; Apricot for nursing; Purple for law, and Lemon for library science. The inner lining of the hood proclaims the color or colors of the institution awarding the degree.
The scarlet stole is a long cloth about four inches wide and is worn around the neck like a scarf by faculty who are ordained ministers. The stole came into use about the fourth century, and was originally a type of robe or cloak; but its form was gradually modified until it became a narrow strip. It is said by some to have been the court uniform of Roman judges, and to have been adopted by the Church to denote the authority of her ministers.
University and Department Honor Cords are worn by students who have completed their degree with a 3.5 or above cumulative grade point average. There are three honors of distinction. Summa Cum Laude is awarded to students with a cumulative grade point average at or above 3.900. Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students with a cumulative grade point average between 3.750 and 3.899. Cum Laude is awarded to students with a cumulative grade point average between 3.500 and 3.749. Department Honor Cords are worn by students who meet the national fraternity requirements of a particular field of study. Students must achieve high academic standards and demonstrate strong ethical character, and are awarded the honor by the vote of the department faculty.
The Banners and Flags carried in the academic procession or displayed on the platform serve different functions. The seven banners include a banner representing the University and each of the six academic schools: The School of Academic Resources; The School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; The School of Business; The School of Education, Social Work, and Counseling; The School of Health and Science; and the School of Theology and Christian Ministries. The flags which join the American flag on the platform represent the countries of citizenship, birth, or residence of NNU students and faculty. The nation and the University are enhanced by the richness of their cultural traditions and celebrate this significant milestone with them. Countries represented and flags displayed include: Canada, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, and Venezuela.