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Gonfalon Bearers

Gonfalons, which are banners hung from crosspieces on poles, have descended from medieval Italy where they were used as symbols of state or office. They have been adopted by many universities and colleges to enhance the ceremonial nature of the commencement exercises.

Plymouth State has created our own gonfalons with our university colors of dark green and white on the outer nylon panels of each banner. The inner velvet panel of each represents one of our academic departments, using the colors that identify the academic disciplines, as listed on the last page of the commencement program. The bearer of a gonfalon is called a gonfalonier.

Each academic department has honored one graduating senior by selecting him/her to carry the department gonfalon in the processional on the field. They will march in random order to deliver their gonfalon to the platform and then join the other graduates seated on the field. The names of the gonfaloniers will be listed in the program. If the ceremony is held indoors due to inclement weather, the gonfalons will not be carried. Instead, they must be pre-set on the platform.

2008 Gonfalon Bearers