University’s Killam Library Home to Charters, Mace

Texas A&M International University's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library is home to countless books, records and journals. Now, it’s also home to the University’s ceremonial mace and two historic charters that establish a TAMIU honor society and association.

The three additions were introduced in a brief ceremony last week in the Library's Great Room.

Dating back to medieval times when they were used as weapons of war, maces are now used as symbols of institutional authority. The TAMIU Mace is a wood staff crowned with laurel leaves and anchored by a series of silver bands engraved with the names of the University’s presidents. It is accompanied by a brief history and statement about the mace.

TAMIU provost Dr. Dan Jones said that while the Mace is symbolic, it represents institutional duty and commitment.

“While Universities use maces at ceremonial occasions such as Convocation and Commencement, it signifies their power to protect knowledge against those who seek to undermine or exploit it. It also represents the University's commitment to intellectual honesty and integrity and consigns us to a civic trust that is acknowledged at every ceremony at which it is presented,” Dr. Jones explained.

Joining the Mace in the Great Room are the original charters for the honor society, Phi Kappa Phi and professional association, Phi Delta Kappa.

 Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society. TAMIU chapter 296 was installed in November of 2005 and now has about 150 members.

Phi Delta Kappa International, the premier professional association for educators, was established at TAMIU in February 2007. A recognized leader in education, it boasts 50,000-plus members worldwide.

On hand for the presentation were officers and members of both groups, including Phi Kappa Phi incoming president Dr. Deborah Blackwell, TAMIU associate professor, and Dr. Barbara Greybeck, Phi Delta Kappa president and TAMIU associate professor. Also present were TAMIU president Ray Keck, associate provost Dr. Juan Lira and Library director Rodney Webb.

For more information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, visit offices in Killam Library 268, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu

For information on Phi Kappa Phi, contact Dr. Blackwell at 326.2628, email dblackwell@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu/coas/lla/phikappaphi

For more information on Phi Delta Kappa, contact Dr. Greybeck at 326.2678, e-mail bgreybeck@tamiu.edu or click on pdkintl.org

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu