MANSFIELD, PA— Two new Mansfield University traditions were born on Saturday, December 13 at Fall Commencement.
Each graduate received a Mansfield University Graduation Coin, presented by the Student Government Association (SGA), along with their diploma.
In addition, SGA selected four faculty and staff members, representing the four tenets of the Mansfield Creed; Character, Scholarship, Service and Culture, to be honored.
SGA President Victoria Malatesta presented inaugural recipients Gayle Kreger, Dining Services; Robert Maris, professor of Biology; John Maslar, Web and Marketing Team/Campus Technologies; and Ryan Wood, Custodial/Grounds manager, with this year’s coin at Saturday’s ceremony.
Four recipients will be honored at each Commencement going forward.
The Graduation Coin was inspired by the President’s Coin for Excellence, which MU President Fran Hendricks ’79 commissioned and began presenting selectively to persons who have contributed greatly to the university, using the Creed as a guideline, earlier this semester.
The Coin was designed by Graphic Arts alumnus Yukta Sagar ’14.
The front of the coin features North Hall, one of the first campus buildings and an enduring symbol of Mansfield University. The red and black rolling hills are Mansfield University school colors and symbols of the region. The 15 red and black circles represent our diversity and the community of students, faculty, staff and alumni who make Mansfield a special place, as well as the original 15 alumni from the first graduating class.
The back of the coin features the Creed and the names the University has held since its founding in 1857. The diamond in the center echoes the four tenets of the Creed. The attached tassel is a recognition of graduates of the institution. The rope surrounding the creed is a symbol of the bonds that students, faculty and staff build at Mansfield University and extend beyond graduation.
Graduates and alumni will be able to purchase additional coins for this year, or their year of graduation, through the Mountie Den campus bookstore beginning in 2015. All proceeds go directly to the H2S No-Interest Loan fund for MU students.