For twenty years, the South Dakota Mines ceremonial mace has stood as a pillar of tradition, proudly marking the commencement proceedings at the university. This cherished artifact will once again take its rightful place during the 192nd commencement ceremony, scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre at The Monument in Rapid City. The ceremonial mace, carried by the faculty chair, is more than a symbol; it embodies the university’s unique identity, academic mission, and profound connections to the Black Hills.
The tradition of utilizing a ceremonial mace in higher education traces its roots back to the medieval era where it was a symbol of authority, carried by a sergeant-at-arms. At South Dakota Mines, however, this tradition has evolved into something much deeper, reflecting the vibrant spirit and historical significance of the region.
The inception of the first ceremonial mace at South Dakota Mines in 2004 was a collaborative effort involving key community members. Deborah Mitchell, an associate professor emerita of humanities at Mines, was the visionary behind the design. Her sketches, inspired by the diversity and richness of local materials, laid the groundwork for what would become a lasting emblem of South Dakota Mines.
Deborah Mitchell
“I went to work with some sketches, thinking about how I could integrate some of the departments with materials from the Hills,” Mitchell explained. Her design process involved closely collaborating with Ryan Koontz, Ph.D., an integrated manufacturing specialist for CAMP, and Doug Napier, a renowned local artist and jeweler. Koontz applied his expertise to develop computer-aided designs for the mace’s top, ensuring its elegance and durability, while Napier added an artistic flair with his craftsmanship.
The finished design artfully incorporates elements from nature and science, mirroring the university’s disciplines. The handle, crafted from a fossil, pays homage to Mines’ legacy in paleontology. A rose-pink quartz sphere, encased in the symbol of an atom, denotes the intertwined fields of geology and physics. Meanwhile, silver and gold elements celebrate the university’s mining heritage, and a laurel leaf crown fashioned from Black Hills Gold signifies honor, distinction, and success.
Each of these elements, seamlessly woven together, serves not only as a testament to the university’s storied past but also its promising future. South Dakota Mines harnesses its rich mining heritage while fostering innovation and research in various fields.
Today, this ceremonial mace stands as a bridge linking past and present—a symbol of the enduring qualities that define South Dakota Mines. It celebrates community collaboration and the pride of all who contributed their skills and knowledge to its creation.
Ryan Koontz, upon reflecting on his involvement, remarked, “I don’t know if I realized how important it would be at the time. But it is great to be part of something that is so long-lasting and to look back and say, ‘Wow, this is significant for South Dakota Mines.’” Contact Us for further information about the ceremonial mace and its significance to the university.
This ceremonial mace is a reflection of South Dakota itself—a place of rich heritage, natural beauty, and community spirit. As South Dakota Mines continues to nurture generations of leaders and innovators, the ceremonial mace serves as a reminder of its enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.
The upcoming commencement ceremony not only marks the academic achievements of its students but also celebrates the university’s deep-rooted connection to the Black Hills and the prosperity it symbolizes for South Dakota’s future.
Click here to watch a video on the collaborative effort involved in creating the ceremonial mace.