Ribbons of Excellence

In 1887, the graduating seniors at Adrian College presented a cane in the form of a shepherd’s crook to the officers of the junior class. Symbolic of leadership and carved with the Latin motto for “No victory without work,” the cane has been handed down every year by the graduating class. Each class has also attached a ribbon to the cane with the names of its graduates listed on the ribbon.

In 2007, the academic community at Adrian College adopted the idea of the ribbons to represent its standards of excellence. From the long-standing tradition of the ribbons attached to the shepherd’s crook at graduation, these new ribbons of excellence have been developed to support the College’s mission statement. Just as the Latin inscription on the cane suggests, these ribbons of excellence cannot be achieved without hard work:

• Caring for humanity and the world

• Learning throughout a lifetime

• Thinking critically

• Crossing boundaries and disciplines

• Developing creativity

Caring for humanity and the world: making socially responsible decisions; providing service to local and global communities; interacting positively with persons of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Learning throughout a lifetime: continuing to ask important questions; pursuing knowledge in each new age; remaining open to new learning experiences.

Thinking critically: developing critical habits of mind; exploring multiple points of view; raising thoughtful questions, identifying problems and solutions.

Crossing boundaries and disciplines: developing literacy in multiple fields; personifying the liberal arts experience; making connections across disciplines.

Developing creativity: engaging in creative arts; developing creative talents and skills; recognizing and employing figurative expression.

Sincerely,
Dr. Dale Nesbary
Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs