End of era for mace bearer
Folding up white gloves for last time
ALMOST 50,000 graduating University of Southern Queensland students have watched Sharon Schasser carry the Ceremonial Mace over the past 14 years.
The tradition has put the USQ Director of Student and Academic Support in a unique position, and one that she has always carried with respect.
But Ms Schasser has folded up the white gloves for the last time as she prepares for her imminent retirement at the end of the year.
“In the morning of the final ceremonies I was thinking ‘ok, this is the last time, it’s all over’ and by the afternoon I was really surprised by how emotional I was,” Ms Schasser said.
“I was so appreciative when I received the acknowledgement from the Chancellor - it meant so much to me.”
Chancellor John Dornbusch spoke at the recent graduation ceremony in which he thanked Ms Schasser for her dedication and service to USQ.
“Sharon will retire at the end of the year as USQ’s Mace Bearer and we appreciate her dedication to this longstanding tradition.”
Historically, the Mace has been used in ceremonial occasions as a symbol of authority, and is now traditionally used by parliaments and universities to show the relationship between town and gown.
Ms Schasser’s employment at USQ started 24 years ago and has seen her work in multiple departments, faculties, boards and projects, with the University becoming deeply entrenched in her professional career and life.
When asked about what she will miss the most about USQ, Ms Schasser said the people who had made her job into a life’s calling.
“It’s always so great to watch the student on graduation day to see how happy they are and proud of their achievements. Their journeys can all be so different,” she said. “It has been an honour to be a part of the student learning journey.”