As the Athens State Community Band played
the Prelude to the Commencement Ceremony and the graduating seniors
arrived and were seated, the dawn of a beautiful morning was
beginning just as the next chapter in these seniors lives.
Dr. Denver Betts (Vice President of Academic
Affairs) welcomed the many family and friends to this
special ceremony along with the special speakers; Dr. Bob
Glenn (ASU President), Dr. Mary Jane Caylor (Alabama State
Board of Education), State Representative Henry White and
State Senator Tom Butler.
The 200 graduating students were from the
College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and the
College of Education.
Dr. Glenn addressed the audience with
regards to the Ceremonial Mace. The mace was originally a
weapon of offence and carried in battle by medieval bishops
since canonical rule forbade clerics to shed blood by sword.
Later, maces began to have a ceremonial function, though they
were still intended to provide protection.
At Athens State University, the mace bearer
is a member of the faculty, who carries the mace before the
President on all ceremonial occasions over which the
President presides. It is a symbol of the fact that
the President represents the tradition of the University and
that in the President is vested the authority and good name
of the University.
The Ceremonial Mace was a gift to the
University by the faculty, staff, and administration and was
first used at the Spring Commencement, May 11, 2001
Teresa Todd
AthensPlus.com
August 28th 2010
Athens State University
Alma Mater
On Alabama's Northern border,
Reared against the sky,
Proudly stands our Alma Mater,
As the years roll by.
Alma Mater, Alma Mater,
Conquer and prevail;
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater;
Athens State, All Hail!
Through the years we've learned to love you
And we sing your praise;
For the pleasure you have shown us,
Through our college days.
Onward ever, be our watchword,
May we never fail,
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
Athens State, All Hail!
