Ceremony Symbols
The Stage
The centerpiece for the stage features a wood panel bearing the logo of Linfield University. Made from a piece of the Old Oak, this backdrop is used at major university events.
Flags and gonfalons
The national flags displayed near the stage salute the countries, in addition to the United States, of the students enrolled at Linfield during the 2025-26 academic year. The gonfalons on the opposite side of the stage represent Linfield’s three academic units: the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and School of Nursing.
University mace
Ceremonies at Linfield begin with the entrance of the university mace. It was created by the late Nils Lou (1932-2013), a professor in the Department of Art. The head is cast bronze and depicts a hand balancing a Möbius strip called “Reaching for Excellence.” A möbius strip is symbolically associated with unity because two sides and two edges are joined to become a single side and edge. The staff is stained oak. Since medieval times, universities have used a ceremonial mace as a symbol of peaceful leadership and authority.
President's Medallion
The medallion, a symbol of office for the president, is worn by the president during ceremonial occasions. The three-inch medallion features the seal of the university, which includes representations of the Old Oak, acorn tradition and university mission. Linfield’s first medallion was presented to President Gordon Bjork at his inauguration in 1969.
The presidential robe
As part of today’s ceremony, President Blegen will switch from his traditional academic regalia, which represents the colors of his alma mater, to a doctoral robe in Linfield purple and cardinal.