Jack Klotz

Transcription

>>Jack Hi. I'm Jack Klotz, Jr. I'm an Associate professor in the Media Studies and Production department here at Temple University, and I also am the university's Chief Marshall for academic ceremonies. I'm here in the Liacouras Center and very soon this space is going to be transformed for the highlight of our academic year: graduation, our 127th commencement exercises. That's right before we know it graduates will take their places here to celebrate probably the biggest achievement in their lives. Now, if you're anything like me, you're probably wondered what all the "pomp and circumstance" means like why we wear these fancy get-ups and of most pressing importance to our graduates, which side do you put your tassel on? So, I'm here to tell you about the history and tradition that goes along with the commencement regalia and where to put your tassel. [music] Somber long gowns are a tradition of academic and religious life that dates back to the 12th century. Most scholars were monks throughout medieval times. There was a practical use for robes: they kept you warm. And hoods could protect against drafts in unheated buildings. European universities began to develop their own systems, which varied a great deal, but in 1895, several US universities developed a shared standard for clothing and colors. [music] >>Jack Now, because of this, at most American institutions, we can almost read a scholar's apparel and know that person's institution, degree and subject. Now, there are several basic types of gowns. [drum roll] >>Jack Bachelors gowns have long pointed sleeves. Masters gowns have longer narrower closed sleeves that often reach below the knees. Doctoral or Doctors gowns have full bell-shaped sleeves with three bars of velvet and front opening faced with wide velvet bands. At our commencement, you'll see a variety of colors on the gowns, the hoods, the tassels, the caps. And these colors indicate the degree that a person holds or the institution from which the highest degree was earned, or the subject matter. [music] >>Jack Academic regalia include distinctive headwear. The mortarboard and hood are worn by all degrees some PhD and juris doctor programs use soft velvet tams instead of mortarboards. When degrees are awarded, graduates customarily shift their tassels--are you ready?-- from the right to the left. From the right... To the left! [music] >>Jack And the hood length varies: 3 feet for bachelors degrees, 3 and a half feet for masters and 4 feet for PhDs. Often the hood lining indicates the school from which the degree is from, usually the school's athletic colors. Cords, stoles, and other decorations may be worn on the regalia to indicate academic honors or membership in university groups. [music] >>Jack The mase was designed by Tyler school of art professor Stanley Lechtzin. It leads the procession and is carried by a faculty representative. The mase is followed by the faculty's chief marshall. That's me!!! [music] >>Jack Finally, you'll notice president Neil D. Theobald wearing special presidential regalia, and he wears a distinctive medallion emblamatic of his position as president the university: the chain of office. [music] >>Jack So maybe now all this stuff makes a little bit more sense. Congratulations to all of our graduates and new alumni. See you at commencement.