The University of Wolverhampton celebrated the remarkable story behind its ceremonial mace after reconnecting with the alumna who designed and made it more than three decades ago while she was a student.
Marianne Pughe (née Saunders), who graduated from the University’s 3D Design: Wood, Metals and Plastics course 31 years ago, revealed that she was the student designer and maker of the University’s ceremonial mace – a symbol of academic authority carried at graduation ceremonies and major formal occasions. Marianne recently got in touch with the University after seeing social media posts featuring the mace in use, sparking delight among staff and alumni alike.
“It was an amazing piece to make, and it’s wonderful to see it still in use,” said Marianne.
“I especially love seeing it carried so proudly at ceremonies. It brings back so many memories of my time at Wolverhampton and the incredible opportunities I was given as a student.”
Since graduating, Marianne has gone on to enjoy a highly successful career in jewellery design. She set up her own business with her partner Rob and has received national recognition for her work, including winning the Eric Bruton Award for Diamond Study Gemmology, being named Designer Retailer of the Year by the National Association of Jewellers, and creating a lapel badge for the Royal Countryside Fund, which was presented to King Charles.
University colleagues say the discovery adds a new and inspiring chapter to the history of the mace and highlights the lasting impact of a Wolverhampton education. The University welcomed Marianne back to campus to see the mace in use at an upcoming graduation ceremony (Thursday 29 January), where it was once again carried at the heart of celebrations marking student achievement.
The University of Wolverhampton regularly celebrates the achievements of its alumni, whose work continues to make an impact across creative industries and beyond.
