The local St. Joseph Woodworkers Guild has created a new ceremonial mace for Missouri Western. The original mace, which was carried in and placed on the stage at Commencement ceremonies, was stolen in May 2018. When University personnel tried to find a replacement, they realized that very few companies made them, so Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, asked Dave Takes, owner of Expressions Engraved, if he knew of any companies.
Takes asked the guild if they would create a new one for the University, and they were more than happy to help. The guild designed the new mace, which is made with local walnut. It is approximately 3′ tall and is decorated with brass and ebony rings. Four gold medallions, provided by Takes, are on each side at the top.
Guild members also built a new stand for the mace. It is made with walnut and spalted hackberry, and is decorated with brass strips and a medallion.
The new mace will be used for the first time at the spring Commencement ceremony.