In 1953, Assumption College was granted full university powers by the Legislature of Ontario thus becoming an independent university. Prior to provincial legislation, Assumption College was affiliated with the University of Western Ontario (now Western University) from 1919 to 1953. Students who completed credentials at Assumption College would receive a degree from the University of Western Ontario. The newfound university powers required Assumption College to design a mace to be used at convocation ceremonies. The mace symbolizes the university’s authority and powers. It also marks the commencement and conclusion of convocation. Assumption University’s mace was designed in 1953 and used at the first independent convocation in 1954. The mace is hand carved from wood. The use of wood is to remind Christians of the cross – the emblematic symbol of Christianity. The mace is made of maple and mahogany. The choice of maple was used in order to honour Canada. At the top of the mace is the Cross of St. Cuthbert, a Celtic saint from the seventh century. The mace was carved by Mr. Francis E. Papineau and designed by Assistant Registrar, Miss. Barbara H. Birch. The mace is carried by the beadle, Mr. Brandon Bernardon. The beadle’s entrance is to indicate a coming to order for the entire assembly. The beadle will place the mace before the chancellor to signify that convocation is about to begin. At the end of convocation, the beadle retrieves the mace and leads the platform guests, honourees, and graduates out in the procession.