The University Mace

The USC Mace is an emblem of the authority of the University President and the Board of Trustees.

On top of the main shaft is the University Seal circled by a laurel leaf design to emphasize that the authority of the University President is to be exercised with wisdom.

The base of the University Seal is a square block on the sides of which are attached the seals of the Society of divine Word, the City of Cebu, the Province of Cebu, and the Republic of the Philippines, all in relief.  On the four corners of the top of the block are figures representing the traditional divisions of knowledge, namely, art, science, law, and theology.  Above and dominating these figures is the two-sided face relief of the Seal of the University of San Carlos.

The Presidential Collar

The Presidential collar is the official symbol of the academic authority of the University President.  It is designed to be worn with academic regalia at official University programs.

The Collar has fourteen cruciform shield links with a scallop shield in the middle of the chain link.  The shields, joined together by ring links, bear the name of the different Colleges and Schools of the University of San Carlos.  The scallop shield that forms part of the chain link is a symbol taken from the Coat of Arms of Cebu Province.  This indicates the close relationship between the academic commitment of the University of San Carlos and the development of the Province.  At the bottom of the Collar is a small cross pendant which links the collar chain and the medallion that has the University Seal.  Engraved on this small pendant is the seal of the Society of the Divine Word.  The position of the pendant symbolizes the role of the SVD in the administration of the University of San Carlos.

The Holy Bible and Crucifix

The Holy Bible is the Word of God, God’s love letter to humanity.  It is the source of light and hope for all.  Given to the Head of the University of San Carlos administered by the Society of the Divine Word, it is meant to stress that the President in his person, presence, and position should be the leading example of what it is to Witness to the Word.

The crucifix is the symbol of God’s great love for us all.  It is the remembrance on how “Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped at.  Rather, he emptied himself…becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.”  (Phil, 2,5-8) Passed on to the President of a Catholic University like USC, the crucifix stands as much for the heavy responsibilities of office as for the central mystery of our faith: the incarnation of the Word of God through to His passion, death and resurrection.