ELKINS — Davis & Elkins College’s Class of 2024 will receive unique commemorative medals during Friday’s Baccalaureate service.
D&E graduates have been awarded graduating class commemorative medals for more than a decade. This year’s coin has a new twist.
The new medal is “It was conceived and produced.” Written by Senior Art Major Madison “Maddy” Craven, according to information provided by D&E.
Craven’s design features the university’s Discovery and Esprit sculptures (a large piece featuring two dancers) on one side of the coin, and the D&E logo on the other.
“The dancers were installed during my first year at D&E, but due to COVID-19, we were unable to hold the induction ceremony in the auditorium.” Craven said. “Instead, the ceremony was held outside by the statue. My dancer design is symbolic of the beginning, now, and end of my journey here at Davis & Elkins College.”
Corey Burns, Creative Arts D&E Instructor, said: “Maddie demonstrated excellent design skills through digital design software, which helped us realize this design for the coin.”
kevin “Woody” Associate Professor of Art Woodcock said: “Madi mastered the art of pottery and experienced remarkable growth both as an artist and as an individual.”
Graduating class commemorative medals were first created and distributed to members of D&E’s 2013 graduating class. His D&E Trustee Bill Sudbrink, an avid coin collector, was a major supporter of the medal project. His efforts, combined with those of the university, continue to support the university’s traditions. “Unique memorabilia and collector’s pieces” For graduates.
“Sudbrink has outlined plans to ensure this tradition continues and increase opportunities for university personnel to win medals.” The D&E release states: “All remaining medals will be available for purchase for two years after they are issued to D&E alumni, faculty, staff, and board members who serve during the academic year.”
The Baccalaureate ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. in Harper McNeely Auditorium at the Miles Center for the Arts. In addition to seating in the auditorium, space will also be available in the Miles Center for the Arts’ Senate Commons, where guests can view the Baccalaureate ceremony and graduation. Ceremony via livestream video.