The Wayne State University Mace
The Academic Mace of Wayne State University is a ceremonial scepter whose features relate to the ancient maces used by universities worldwide. Though a symbol of the highest ideals of humankind, many maces exhibit the main characteristics of their most ancient relative, the medieval battle-mace or war club.
The university’s 51-inch mace consists of layers of carved ebony held in place by a tubular shaft. By tradition it is carried by the sergeant-at-arms and occupies a prominent place before those who attend and conduct the commencement ceremony.
As the battle-mace lost its usefulness as a weapon, it began to appear as a ceremonial staff in processions of royalty, magistrates, and church or university officials. During the commencement ceremony, it serves as a symbolic weapon to protect and proclaim the ideals of harmony, truth, justice and learning.
The Academic Mace of Wayne State University is a gift of Sara and Melvin Maxwell Smith. A 1939 graduate of the university, Mr. Smith was for many years a generous contributor to the artistic enrichment of campus life.
The Academic Mace was designed and created in 1984 by the late Phillip Fike, professor of art at Wayne State until his death in 1997.