Commencement Bagpiper

After all graduates have entered the Convocation Center, a processional led by the Commencement bagpiper enters the arena floor. The tradition traces its roots to the University’s June 14, 1997 ceremony, when then-president Betty Siegel tapped Joel McGinnis to became the first person to hold the distinction of Commencement bagpiper. According to retired College of the Arts Dean Joseph Meeks, Siegel was inspired to introduce a bagpiper to give the ceremony a greater sense of regality. Norman Livermore took over bagpiping responsibilities in March 1998 until ultimately passing the role to the late Winter Taylor, who performed her duties in a distinctive yellow and black tartan kilt special made for the Commencement bagpiper. After Taylor’s untimely passing in January 2012, a student of hers, Tom Crawford, took her place and has continued to serve in the role. Taylor’s kilt has since been donated to the KSU Archives.

Kennesaw State University Mace

The chief faculty marshal carries the mace, which is a ceremonial staff and is symbolic of the rich traditions of higher education. This spring, the mace will be carried by Darina Lepadatu, professor of sociology, and Todd Harper, associate professor of English. The practice of carrying a mace dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was designed to be used as a weapon. It was carried by a respected senior member of the community who was chosen to protect and guide the leaders as their group traveled through crowded streets. 

The KSU mace was designed by Patrick Taylor, former chairman of the Department of Visual Arts, and hand-crafted on campus. The polished bronze handgrip is actually a stylized owl. The owl is Kennesaw State's mascot as well as the symbol of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The globe near the top of the mace represents graduates going out into the world. Topping the globe is the traditional symbol of higher education – a lamp of learning, with a flame representing the quest for knowledge. A large bronze medallion displaying the university seal is part of the globe, and the festive ribbons streaming from the crown that cradles the globe represent the university colors.

Academic Cords, Stoles and Pins

The caps and gowns worn at commencement connect contemporary graduates with scholarly tradition that dates back as long as universities have existed. However, graduates who have qualified for membership in registered student organization honor societies and department discipline honor programs often set themselves apart by wearing brightly colored honor cords, stoles and pins. Students who hold multiple memberships may wear multiple pieces of regalia. To learn which organization each color represents, click here.