College Regalia and Academic Costume

Seal

The seal is Lewis & Clark's official academic symbol. Like the seals of nations and states, it is used to authenticate documents of high importance or ceremony issued in the name of the College. The Lewis & Clark seal can be found on College documents that present an enduring reminder of the institution, such as diplomas and memorabilia. In 1992, Lewis & Clark reflected on its continuous century-and-a-quarter of teaching and research, as well as the renewal it experienced through the move to the Fir Acres estate. The College determined at that time to represent its distinct character and purpose through the creation of a heraldic shield and motto. The shield and motto are incorporated into the College seal.

Shield

Heraldic shields have been used throughout history in the seals of nations as well as in those of colleges and universities. Such shields symbolize what is integral to their institutions and mirror the artistic ideas prevalent at the time of their creation. The College shield or logo represents Lewis & Clark's tradition of excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, education and counseling, and the law, and its evolution into one of the nation's outstanding institutions of higher learning. While incorporating traditional heraldic elements, the shield uses abstract forms that allow for interpretation. The curves of the design recall features of the Northwest's natural landscape. The shield is the official College logo.

Mace

The ceremonial mace emphasizes the convergence of diverse cultures. The mace is the medieval symbol of authority. When placed in state on the rostrum, it indicates that Parliament is in session. The speaker's staff of the Northwest Indians was used in a similar manner; whoever held the staff was acknowledged to have the floor. The Lewis & Clark mace was carved by Bill Holm, former curator of Northwest Coast Indian art at the Thomas Burke Memorial Museum in Seattle. The Burke Museum's Bill Holm Center for the Study of Northwest Coast Art is named in his honor. In the form of a chieftain's staff, the Lewis & Clark mace is a reminder of the history of the Northwest.

Academic Costume

The tradition of academic dress began several centuries ago in chilly universities where cap, gown, and hood were needed for covering and warmth. Subsequently this has become a ceremonial costume with certain standardized features. Sleeves in the bachelor's gown are pointed; in the master's gown, oblong with arms projecting at the elbow; in the doctor's gown, bell shaped. The doctor's gown is faced with velvet with three matching stripes on the sleeves, and the hood is lined with the official colors of the degree-conferring institution. For Lewis & Clark, these are orange and black.