The Presidential Medallion
The Presidential Medallion is a 23 troy ounce medallion and chain crafted in 1995 by William Frederick, M.F.A., a Chicago metal smith. The sterling silver chain contains 18 links, each faced with a unique cross design. The chain was created by lost-wax casting, a centuries-old process originally used by the Etruscans. The sterling silver medallion, which hangs from the chain, is hand engraved in three layers and silver soldered.
In addition to an interpretation of the Claflin seal, the medallion contains three elements reflecting the history and heritage of the university: 1869 - The year of the university’s founding. Torch and Bible: imagery of academic purpose and a Christian heritage.
These signify Claflin’s commitment to provide a liberal arts education in an environment that also encourages the spiritual growth of the student.
Tempus Praeteritum Alendum, Futurum Complendum, Latin for “A Past to Cherish, A Future to Fulfill,” a Claflin motto.
Engraved on the reverse side of the medallion are the names of Claflin’s first eight presidents and their years in office. President Warmack’s name is engraved on the back of the center link, directly connected to the medallion, a position that will be reserved for the name of the governing president.
The Tingley Cupola
Tingley Memorial Hall, like Claflin University itself, is the product of visionary northern Methodist missionaries and laymen and Black South Carolinians. It is a two-story building constructed in 1908, according to the preliminary plans of William Wilson Cooke. It has a copper-clad cupola, which is Claflin’s most recognizable symbol, and was dedicated in 1908 to the memory of Adella M. Tingley, the wife of Samuel Tingley, whose largess benefited higher education.
Mr. Cooke, born in 1871 in Greenville, South Carolina, completed the classical preparatory course at Claflin in 1891. Earning his BS degree at Claflin, he also took courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and at Columbia University. He left Claflin in March 1907 to become the first Black senior architectural designer with the United States Supervising Architect’s Office in Washington, D.C., a position he held for 22 years.
This structure is perhaps one of the most historic on the campus. In 1993, Tingley Memorial Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Funds to restore the historic building were obtained through grants from the Black College Fund of the United Methodist Church, the Bush Foundation and the U. S. Department of Education.
Claflin University Mace
Claflin’s mace, like those of other academic institutions, represents the solidarity of the academic community and symbolizes the University’s high purpose, character and traditions. The mace bearer carries the mace at all regaled academic functions and indicates the beginning of a session by placing it in full view. Historically, the mace originated and was first used in Egypt, where it represented creative achievement and assertiveness in man. In the Middle Ages it was used as a weapon of war.
Today, however, the mace represents deputized authority and dignity. The Claflin University mace was carved from a solid piece of American red oak. The upward portion of the mace was constructed in the shape of a square, which accommodates three of the university seals and a history of leadership since 1869.
Dr. Sam Cobbins, Professor of Technology at Jackson State University, designed and constructed the Claflin University mace in 1984.