New Beadle to shoulder a heavy burden
The University of Queensland's first woman Beadle Donna Clifford expects she will have no difficulties in carrying her weighty responsibilities.
A three times national powerlifting champion (1996-98) who has bench pressed 90kg, Ms Clifford will be Beadle for the University's August 24 and August 26 graduation ceremonies.
"I enjoy new challenges so I'm looking forward to this important role," she said.
The Beadle - an honorary office - carries the University's 8kg, 1.5 metre long mace in academic processions, and immediately precedes the University Chancellor (Sir Llewellyn Edwards). A mace was originally a defence weapon made of iron, steel or latten, capable of breaking through the strongest armour.
Unofficially the Beadle may be called upon as the Chancellor's bodyguard, a role dating back to the 13th Century. However, nowadays the role is largely ceremonial.
The University's current ceremonial copper mace was donated by Mount Isa Mines Ltd in 1971, replacing the first mace, a 60cm delicate silver rod topped with a large amethyst, used from 1935 and now archived. Gatton College also has an 8kg silky oak mace.
Ms Clifford, a UQ graduate (1986), is a data processing specialist in the University's Enrolments section. She will share the Beadle role at the December graduation ceremonies with acting senior QTAC assessor in Courses and Admissions section Andrew Cameron, who is a UQ commerce (1994) and Diploma of Education (1997) graduate.
They are being trained at a mini "Beadle school" by the University's Beadle since 1996 Tim Tout, currently seconded as Graduations Officer. As well as schooling them in the history and dignity of the position, Mr Tout is sharing time-honoured trade secrets. They include: Wear white cotton gloves to protect the mace from handmarks and use Brasso to make the brass and copper shine.
Ms Clifford and Mr Cameron will wear the Beadle uniform of a black velvet cap with blue silk cord, and black stuff gown.
Footnote: Executive officer in the Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture Faculty Ellen Juhasz has acted as Beadle at the University's 1992 graduation ceremonies, but was never officially appointed. "My recollection was that wearing high heel dress shoes while carrying the mace changed one's centre of gravity," she said.
For further information, contact Tim Tout telephone 3365 9194.
