Graduates of Davis and Elkins College will be presented with a unique commemorative medal during Baccalaureate Services. A continuing tradition of more than a decade, this year’s Graduating Class Commemorative Medal was conceptualized and produced by Senior Art Major Madison “Maddie” Craven.
Craven’s design featuring D&E’s Discovery and Esprit sculpture is depicted on one side of the coin, and D&E’s logo adorns the back.
Referencing the sculpture, Craven comments, “The dancers were installed my first year at D&E and, due to COVID, we were not able to have our Matriculation in the auditorium. Instead, the ceremony took place outside by the statue. My design of the Dancers is a symbol of my beginning, and now, end, of my journey here at Davis and Elkins College.”
Craven’s selection for design privileges has been unanimously supported by esteemed members of the Creative Arts Department. Instructor of Creative Arts, Korey Burns, adds, “Maddie has shown excellent design skills through digital design software, which helped her achieve this design for the coin.”
Kevin “Woody” Woodcock, Assistant Professor of Art, continues, “Maddie has mastered the craft of ceramics and has shown tremendous growth as an artist and as an individual.”
The Graduating Class Commemorative Medal was initially produced and distributed to members of D&E’s class of 2013. Original concepts and support were provided by former D&E Trustee, Bill Sudbrink. Sudbrink is an avid coin collector, and his combined efforts with the College continue to support the tradition of providing a unique keepsake and collector’s piece for graduating students.
Sudbrink has outlined a plan to ensure the continuation of this tradition, allowing greater opportunity for those connected to the college to obtain a medal. All remaining medals will be available for purchase for two years after being issued to any D&E alumnus, member of faculty, staff, or board of trustees serving during the academic year.
