VGCC Mace resulted from collaboration of retiree and graduate

Vance-Granville Community College now has a new tradition, thanks to the efforts of a former college administrator and a former student.

 

When Frank Madigan, a retired Dean of Student Services at VGCC, attended his granddaughter’s graduation at UNC-Wilmington not long ago, he read in the printed commencement program a detailed description of the history and significance of that university’s mace. The mace evolved over centuries from a medieval weapon into a ceremonial object used by colleges and universities. Traditionally, the mace is carried as part of formal occasions, like commencement, by a leader of the faculty. With inspiration from the UNC-Wilmington ceremony, Madigan decided it would be beneficial for VGCC to have its own mace, which he thought would be distinctive, as he knew of few if any community colleges that have such a symbol.

 

Madigan took his idea to Michael G. Lassiter, Jr., owner and operator of Bullock’s of Henderson. Lassiter had never had an engraving request of this sort, but he is always glad to help out his alma mater. He studied Business Administration at VGCC and graduated in 2001. Based on Madigan’s design, Lassiter crafted the mace, which incorporates elements important to the history of the college and its four-county service area. The black-and-gold top of the mace, or “boss,” represents education and includes the college seal. Below the boss are the official seals of the four counties served by the college, Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren, one on each side. Madigan presented the mace to Dr. Randy Parker, the president of VGCC, who first put it to use at VGCC commencement exercises in May .

 

“On behalf of all the current and future students, faculty, staff and trustees of VGCC, I want to thank Frank and Michael for this unique gift and for their generous support of our college,” said Dr. Randy Parker. “For decades to come, the College Mace will be a distinguished symbol of the leadership this institution provides to our four counties in education.”

 

Above: From left, Frank Madigan and Michael Lassiter formally present the college mace to VGCC President Randy Parker at Bullock’s of Henderson.