The Citadel Mace is a scepter-like object symbolizing the College. It is carried at the head of academic processions of faculty at commencement and convocation ceremonies. Designed by CPT John S. Coussons (USN, Retired), professor emeritus of history, and made by the English firm of Wippell and Co., Ltd., it has a wooden shaft with brass fittings. The hat insignia of the S. C. Corps of Cadets inspired the design of the mace-head, which is brass with blue-and-white enamel inlays. Beneath the fronds of a palmetto tree are the name of the school and the ovals of the seal of the State of South Carolina. The mace was first introduced at the inauguration of GEN James A. Grimsley, Jr., as President of The Citadel in 1981. NOTE: The Drum Major of the Regimental Pipe Band carries a wooden staff with a metal crown. This staff is also called a mace. (Sources: David C. R. Heisser, "Scepters of Academe: College and University Maces in the Palmetto State," Carologue, vol. 10, Winter 1994, p. 13; color picture on the cover of The Citadel Magazine, vol. 2, Summer 2000). A picture of the Regimental Pipe Band Drum Major with his mace is on the cover of The Citadel Magazine, Summer/Fall 2002.)
