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Traditions

Famous class of 1868 photographed in its sophomore year in 1866, shortly after the close of the War between the States.

History

Commencement at the University of Georgia provided the annual cultural, social, and political highlight for both Athenians and leaders throughout the state for more than half a century in antebellum Georgia.  It all began with the first commencement on May 31, 1804, when ten young men received bachelor of arts degrees at a ceremony in front of Old College which was under frustratingly slow construction.  The faculty, students, parents, dignitaries,…

Regalia

The history of academic dress reaches far back into the early days of the oldest universities. The costume worn today originated in the Middle Ages but was not adopted in this country until the mid-nineteenth century. In the late 19th century, American colleges and universities desired to adopt some suitable system governing academic apparel. Accordingly, on May 16, 1895, representatives from governing boards of various interested institutions met…

Mace and Breastplate

The mace and breastplate have traditionally symbolized leadership and authority since the Middle Ages. The use of the two became a tradition at the University in 1968, when Robert Ebendorf, a University art professor of jewelry and metal, and a former Fulbright Scholar in Norway, was commissioned to create a mace and breastplate to be used at the formal inauguration of President Fred C. Davison as the seventeenth president of the University of Georgia and for…

Gonfalons

The gonfalon, a banner that hangs from a crosspiece or frame, originated in the medieval republics of Italy as an ensign of state or office. Gonfalons have been adopted in many universities around the world as college or institutional insignias, and many use them to identify and lead colleges and schools within the university in academic procession. The sixteen gonfalons represent the sixteen colleges and schools making up the University.  Guess the Gonfalon…