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President Stuart Bell University of Florida

ceremonial symbols and objects

Chain of Office

This custom-made ornament is worn with the president’s regalia, symbolizing the authority and responsibilities of the office. The chain is engraved with the names and service years of the university presidents. The medallion’s centerpiece is a 1.3-carat diamond.

Academic Mace

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the mace symbolizes strength and authority. The UF ceremonial mace was created for the university’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2003. The 70-inch staff features an alligator sitting atop a globe. The four pillars supporting the globe represent the four original colleges: Agriculture, Engineering, Law, and Liberal Arts. The staff is carved from cherry wood. The university’s chief marshal, who leads all academic processions, carries the mace.