97th Annual Spring Commencement

THE COLLEGE SEAL The College Seal has been in existence since the doors of Bluefield College opened in 1922. Designed by the daughter of Dr. R. A. Lansdell, first President of Bluefield College, it features three Latinwords, “Deus,”meaning God, “Patria,”meaning country, and “Lux,” meaning light. The seal has been a beacon of light for those who study, teach, and serve at Bluefield College, as it speaks of the duty to serve God and to be divine light in this country and indeed throughout the world. GRADUATION HONORS Bluefield College baccalaureate graduates are recognized with honors for achievement of a cumulative grade point average from 3.5 to 4.0. Baccalaureate degree honors are recognized by wearing blue, white, and gold cords, and by the following distinctions: Cum Laude 3.50 - 3.74 Magna Cum Laude 3.75 - 3.89 Summa Cum Laude 3.90 - 4.00 THE COLLEGE MACE Bluefield College ceremonial occasions begin with the entrance of the College Mace, carriedby the College senior facultymember andFacultyMarshal. Themace symbolizes the College’s governing authority and is present when the College leadership and faculty are in attendance. The tradition of the mace derives frommedieval times in England, when the mace was held by a bodyguard for dignitaries at ceremonial functions. Today, ceremonial maces are used by governing bodies worldwide, including the U.S. House of Representatives and the British Parliament. As an ancient symbol of authority, it reminds us that colleges and universities are custodians both of the enduring traditions of learning and of the power they bestow upon those who come to learn. It is also a reminder that the learning process has not always been comfortable and easy. The Bluefield College Mace is seen regularly at the President’s Convocation, the Honors Convocation, and the Winter and Spring Commencement ceremonies. The Bluefield College Mace is 42 inches in length. The four-sided head-piece displays red and blue enamel reproductions of the College Seal on antique bronze medals. The mahogany shaft is ringed in brass banners engraved with the College’s four core values, which read “Christ-centered Learning,” “Academic Excellence,” “Integrity and Mutual Respect,” and “Serves to Transform the World.”