VLS student Hannah Smith of Ann Arbor, Michigan, carries the mace before the Board of Trustees in Saturday's academic procession. The symbol of authority of the Board of Trustees, featuring the swan from the VLS shield cast in bronze, the mace is carried in academic processions and rests on the podium during formal ceremonies. The mace was presented to the trustees by Dean Thomas M. Debevoise on June 4, 1976, at the dinner for trustees, faculty, and delegates the night before the first commencement. (Herald / Bob Eddy)