Toccoa Falls College is taking the opportunity during the Centennial year to introduce a new tradition that will be used in all formal processions of the faculty. Leading the processional is Faculty Marshal, Julio Vena, who carries the official Toccoa Falls College Mace. Steeped in symbolism and ceremony, the use of a mace dates back centuries to traditions in the parliament of the British Commonwealth. Over time the mace has become a symbol of respect for governing institutions and today symbolizes Toccoa Falls College’s authority to grant degrees.

Today [May 19, 2007] is the first time the Toccoa Falls College Mace is used to lead an academic procession at graduation. Designed by Registrar Kelly G. Vickers (’79) and crafted by Master Carpenter Merlin L. Schenck, the Toccoa Falls College Mace features material and design that carry great symbolic meaning of key institutional images representing our distinguished history and core values.

The material is Oak from a campus tree, recalling Isaiah 61:3, “. . . to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor,”—the verse God gave to Dr. Forrest in our first major challenge of faith. Recalling I Peter 3:2-4, the entire mace is crafted from oak with no other adornment of gold, silver, or jewels, emphasizing servant leadership, humility and the intrinsic value of our message over institutional aggrandizement. The beauty of the images and its natural simplicity also recall Matthew 7:28-29.

The four sides of the mace are graced with images of Toccoa Falls, symbolizing the beauty of our campus and the place faculty, staff, students and administration have gone for solitude and to discern the Lord’s voice for comfort and direction; The Tree of God’s Planting; the Institutional Seal and Date of Founding; The Lamp of Knowledge and the Open Bible, recalling Psalm 119:130, “The entrance of your words gives light, it gives understanding. . . ,” below which are the supporting words from our motto: CHARACTER and INTELLECT; and the Torch from the school seal, symbolizing our original mission of carrying the light of the gospel to the world.

The mace is capped with the Globe symbolizing both our mission of impacting the world and advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as the idea that the sun never sets on the graduates of Toccoa Falls College. The Crosses forming the foundation at the four corners of the Globe support and safeguard our mission and message to the world.

The Toccoa Falls College Mace

Faculty Marshal, Julio Vena, holding the Mace

Photos by Paul Brown

Photo credit: Clarence Wulf

Click here to see the graduation e-card that was sent out from the President’s office

Highlights of this Centennial Homecoming!
Members of the 1954 High School class gather for a photo after the dedication of the historical marker they helped to sponsor on the history of the bell.

TFC president Dr. Wayne Gardner and TFAA president Patricia McGarvey unveil the first historical marker located in the center of campus.

Alumni line up for the traditional barbecue picnic served on the green in the center of campus.

After Friday evening’s homecoming basketball game, alumni celebrate the Centennial with a huge cake during the college’s birthday celebration.

Martha (BC 50) and Wilson Donehoo (BC 50) enjoy the opening moments of the reunion brunch.

Florence Setterlof, former dean of women and current campus hostess, enjoys a fun moment during this year’s homecoming parade.

TFC registrar Kelly Vickers gives a brief history of the Leon and Rachel Gathany Outdoor Environmental Educational Center.

With Leon Gathany at his side, Dr. Wayne Gardner prepares to dedicate the building site for the outdoor center.

Professor Julio Vena prepares to place the college mace in position for the opening ceremony.

Jordan Roedding leads worship during the opening moments of TFC’s Fall Convocation.

College president Dr. Wayne Gardener challenges students to commit their lives, talents, and futures to the Lord’s work. (Click here to read his call of commitment to the students.)

Dr. Wayne Gardner listens as students make their commitments.

Group photograph of Professors Emeritus: (left to right) David Harvey, Clarence Wulf, and Jon Tal Murphree.

Photos by Clarence Wulf

The beginning of the processional with full academic regalia.

The new Toccoa Falls College Flag which again features the college seal, this time in white on a royal blue background, the other school color.

Dr. W. Wayne Gardner gave remarks.

Mrs. Carolyn Eckman Ballard was the keynote speaker.