Caps, gowns, and hoods worn at university events date back to the Middle Ages when monks and students used them for warmth in drafty halls. From these practical origins, they have become the recognized attire representing scholarly achievement.
Symbols & History
Academic Attire
Baccalaureate gowns feature a pleated front, shoulder shirring, and flowing sleeves. They may be worn open or closed.
Master’s gowns are worn open, with sleeves that allow the forearm to pass through a slit. The hood’s satin lining represents the institution, while the velvet border reflects the discipline.
Doctoral gowns have velvet panels and bars, with the option to be worn open or closed. The doctoral hood adds color, with silk representing the institution and velvet indicating the field of study.
Academic Colors
Brown
Fine Arts
Citron
Social Science
Copper
Economics
Crimson
Journalism
Dark Blue
Philosophy
Drab
Accountancy, Business
Science Gold
Science
Kelly Green
Medicine
Lemon
Library Science
Light Blue
Education
Orange
Engineering
Peacock Blue
Public Administration
Pink
Music
Purple
Law
Sage Green
Physical Education
Salmon Pink
Public Health
Scarlet
Theology
Silver
Oratory
White
Arts, Letters, Humanities
The Mace
Historically a medieval weapon, the university mace is now used in ceremonial functions. the mace is now used in ceremonial functions. The Oswego mace features a jade sphere symbolizing wisdom and knowledge, surrounded by silver flanges representing imagination in higher education. The jade and rosewood reflect the grandeur of academic ceremonies. A gift from the Class of 1969 for President James Perdue’s inauguration, the mace has been used at official ceremonies ever since. It was designed by Joseph F. Shoenfelt and crafted by William D. Todd.
The Medallion
The university medallion is a symbol of the president’s authority and leadership within the institution. At its center is a green and gold circle representing Oswego, placed on a map of New York atop a globe, symbolizing the institution’s connection to the state and world. Designed by Dominic T. DiPasquale for President James Perdue’s 1966 inauguration, it was a gift from the Class of 1966. A wreath of gold leaves surrounds the globe, with a band engraved with the university’s name and two dates: 1861, its founding, and 1948, the founding of SUNY. A gold lamp of knowledge sits above the medallion.
Past Presidents of
SUNY Oswego
1861 – 1897: Edward Austin Sheldon, Founder
1897 – 1913: Isaac B. Poucher
1913 – 1933: James C. Riggs
1933 – 1947: Ralph W. Swetman
1947 – 1952: Harvey M. Rice
1952 – 1963: Foster S. Brown
1965 – 1977: James E. Perdue
1977 – 1988: Virginia Radley
1988 – 1995: Stephen L. Weber
1995 – 2021: Deborah F. Stanley