© 2006 UNC Asheville One University Heights, Asheville, North Carolina  28804    828-251-6600
Created By, D. H. Ramsey Library Special Collections Staff 2006

Cody Bradford, Jessica Wallace, and Andrew Fedynak
360° Sepia Panoramic Photograph of UNCA — James Phelps

The History of the Chancellor’s Medallion

The Chancellor's Medallion is the insignia of office worn by the Chancellor at Convocation, Commencement, and other occasions of academic ceremony. It was established by Chancellor David G. Brown in 1985.  This medallion was a gift of the UNCA Board of Trustees.  Gary Byrd, an art major from Burnsville, submitted the winning design.  The centerpiece of the 4-inch, circular medallion is an open book - a traditional symbol of knowledge. Converging at the book's center, and extending to the medallion's decorative border, are three circles symbolizing the education of the body, mind and soul.  The medallion is bounded by a decorative band, the design for which is taken from an ancient Greek drinking vessel depicting the reverent treatment of a Greek scholar. 

 

In 1995 with the installation of Reed the Chancellor’s Medallion was redesigned by Art professor S. Tucker Cooke and associate professor emeritus Elma M. Johnson.  This new medallion is crafted in silver, gold and enamel by local artisans.  Its design shows the university’s mountain setting and its links with the region, state, nation and world.  It also symbolizes the bonds among faculty, students and the university community; and the interdisciplinary nature of the liberal arts.

 

The tradition of the medallions derive from ancient practices of the church and crown, which publicly bestowed a seal of power and authority on its chosen representative.  Replicas of the Chancellor’s Medallion are presented to individuals whose lives and service have demonstrated the deepest commitment to the enhancement of UNCA.

University Archives, D.H.Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville 28804
A Special Thanks to Kevin Frazier

List of Recipients:
Adelaide Daniels Key (1999); Jay Banks (1995); Francine Delany (posthumously 1993); Roy Taylor (1991); Alfred Miller (1990); Karl Straus (1989); Richard Wynne (1988); Ruth Feldman (1987); Gordon Greenwood (1986); and Ernest Mills (1985).

University Archives, D.H.Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville 28804

The History of the Bulldog

 

Since the early 1930’s the University’s mascot has been the Bulldog.  Over the course of the school’s history the bulldog’s name has been changed multiple times.  In the late 1940’s the bulldog was original a real dog named Puck.  Later in the 1960’s a new bulldog named Chug-a-lug became the mascot.  Chug-a-lug was followed by Winston in the late 1980’s3 and then finally by our current bulldog mascot named, Rocky.  The Statue of Rocky in front of the Justice Center was a gift to the school from the Class of 1998 and it was sculpted by Matt West of the Class of 2000.  It has been believed since the first bulldog, that a student may receive good luck by rubbing his head.

University Archives, D.H.Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville 28804
A Special Thanks to Kevin Frazier

The History of the Alma Mater

Over the years the university’s Alma Mater has changed several times.  The current Alma Mater was created in 2001.

Hail Our Alma Mater,
Hail UNCA.

Learning be your watchword,
Greatness be your way.

High upon the mountains,

In the Land of the Sky,
Stands our Alma Mater,

Lift your voices high.

 

Noble Alma Mater,
Hear our words of praise. 

May we love and honor you,

Until the end of days.

Music: Jesse Padgett
Words: UNC Asheville faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

UNCA Traditions

The Chancellor’s Medallion [1985] [UA21.12_1.3.A.16.7H], University Archives, D.H. Ramsey Library, Special Collections, UNC Asheville 28804. 

The History of the Mace

Since the medieval period in Europe, the mace has been used as a ceremonial staff,
a symbol of strength and authority.  Even today university maces are emblems of order in ceremonial occasions. The mace was presented by the Class of 2001.  It was originally designed and cast in bronze by sculptor Jennifer L. Costa, Class of 1996.  The head of the mace bears the seal of the university, the date of its founding and the date of the entry into the University of North Carolina system.  The school motto is also present on the mace. The staff is made of walnut and includes intricate cherry inlay work. The mace is carried in procession by the faculty member who has received the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award.

University Archives, D.H.Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville 28804

 

The Chancellor’s Medallion [1995] UNCA Photo Archive, University Archives, D.H. Ramsey Library, Special Collections, UNC Asheville 28804.