East Carolina University Symbols
The university is represented by three main symbols: the mace, the logo and the seal. The following information is taken from the May 1992 commencement program. This and other sources of East Carolina University history are available to researchers in the University Archives
The Mace
The mace, a medieval weapon, has become through the centuries an insignia of university authority. In this instance it represents the continuity of the institutional governing body.
Some forty-three inches long and weighing approximately fourteen pounds, the East Carolina University mace is constructed of sterling silver. It features a unique purple flourite crystal cluster contained within a gold-plated cage. The shaft of the mace has a hammered texture and is divided in the center by a pierced band. The pierced design is repeated at the mace boss (symbolic head) and terminus. The terminus is a representation of the historical weapon head which has diminished in size as the mace has changed from a weapon to a symbol. The same representation of symbolic use has increased the size and importance of the boss or mace head. The mace bears the inscription East Carolina University 1907
This handsome mace was designed and executed by John Satterfield of the Design Department of East Carolina University School of Art, who comments on the design concept:
In designing the East Carolina University mace I have attempted to maintain the visual integrity of a traditional mace and at the same time create a contemporary symbol which is unique to this institution."
The East Carolina University logo uses historic arches to unite the University's heritage and its future over the words East Carolina University. The logo, which will be used on all University publications and stationary, was adopted in 1989 after a year-long study by the Image Task Force to develop an integrated and consistent visual identity system for the University.
Old Austin, East Carolina's first auditorium, classroom, and office building, introduced arched doorways to the first entering class in 1909. The motif dominates Wright Auditorium and continues in the striking entrance to the new General Classroom Building. The concept can also be seen throughout the campus in doorway and window treatments.
The logo is not a picture of a particular arch. Rather it is stylized to capture the University's contemporary and historic elements in order to suggest a timeless quality and the distinctive character of East Carolina University.
Arches have been used in architecture for centuries to symbolize buildings of prominence, stature, and dignity. Arches also suggest doorways or entryways. For East Carolina University, the arch suggests not only the academic stature and strength of the University but also the doorway to education that East Carolina has been and will continue to be for future generations of students.
The Seal
The official East Carolina seal is a six-cornered shield encased in a circular border containing the name, location, and founding date of the University. It appears on the diploma. The shield represents the shield of trust, as was used in the Crusades.
The motto servire, meaning to serve, is emblazoned on the scroll. The blazing torch and the open Book of Knowledge symbolize education and the service rendered to the students by the University. The ink pot and quill , symbols of the scribes, represent the creative arts and the contributions of the students to the world of business. The pirate is the school mascot.
The central motif of the design -- a shield within the shield with Polaris , the guiding star, behind the two half globes that make up the world -- expresses the idea that East Carolina University has the mission to educate graduates who will serve to the four corners of the world.
