Bear Traditions

Whether you graduated 10, 25, or 50 years ago, we all share in a rich 120-year history of tradition.

Northern Vision
“Northern Vision,” the 12-foot-high, 2,000-pound bronze sculpture of a bear on the north lawn of the University Center, has watched intently over campus since only 2004. Created and donated by local sculptors at the behest of some persuasive UNC alumni, the eye-catching piece of art faces southeast toward the UC the campus’ student hub symbolizing the university’s focus on its students.

Cranford Cornerstone
Much celebration surrounded the laying of the cornerstone of the first building constructed at the new State Normal School in Greeley in 1890. Later named Cranford Hall after the businessman who donated most of the land for the school, the building eventually fell victim to the ravages of time and a fire. Cranford Hall was demolished in 1972, but its cornerstone was salvaged. It can still be seen in the shade of the trees near the west entrance to Carter Hall.

Gunter Hall
When Gunter Hall was renovated in 1996, architects were directed to retain as many of the 1928 building’s features as possible, including the center court of the gym floor, original building murals and the famous Gunter bells, which had been replaced three times prior to the renovation.
Although the bells’ rings are now electronically generated, they still proudly mark the passing of time across the UNC campus.

Mace and Medallion
A world symbol of tradition and a bond to centuries of academic ritual, a university mace is used for formal events such as commencement and honors convocations, which are attended by faculty in full academic regalia.
There are four types of maces: sergeants’, great, university and faculty. Originally fighting instruments, they evolved into symbols of authority and tradition around 1400 A.D. The University of Northern Colorado Mace and President’s Medallion symbolize higher education traditions. Materials used represent the strength and quality needed by an educational institution in a frontier territory. The UNC mace was handcrafted by UNC Professor William S. Cordiner in a meticulously constructed combination of layered ebony and maple connected by bronze fittings to an American walnut spiral. “University of Northern Colorado” is etched into a bronze band encircling the head of the mace.

The President¹s Medallion, like the mace, was a gift to the institution from a distinguished alumnus, Victor Nottingham (BA-‘52). The solid polished brass medallion is suspended from a heavy brass chain. Display of the UNC Mace at Commencement and other official events by a designated member of the faculty signifies that the university is in formal session.