UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 37, Page 6
July 18, 1996
New medal designed for Alison Award recipients

     When a commemorative medal for winners of the prestigious Francis
Alison Award, was to be created, the University turned to one of its
own.
     Anne Graham, art, was chosen to design the Alison medal to be
presented each year to a faculty member at the fall New Student
Convocation ceremony. Forty medals were commissioned for past and
future awardees, who are recognized for scholarship, professional
achievements and dedication as outstanding faculty members,.
     For her inspiration, Graham chose the University's motto,
"Scientia Sol Mentis Est" (knowledge is the light of the mind), which
is etched on the center of the back of the medal with the words
"University of Delaware" and "Alison Professor" inscribed on the rim.
     "The medal is a three-dimensional piece, and for the front, I
chose the sun as a symbol of the "light" and superimposed a
thoughtful, grave face upon it to suggest wisdom and serenity," Graham
said.
     The medal was several months in the making. The lettering for the
back was produced graphically on the computer, transposed onto the
medal and then etched. The sun, which was cast separately, was
soldered by hand.
     The sterling silver medal is suspended on a chain by a pendant,
which is stamped with the artist's name and 1995, the year it was
created and SNAG, the Society of North American Goldsmiths. Because
she is a distinguished member, the highest level of achievement of the
organization, Graham is entitled to use the SNAG stamp on her work.
     A dinner was held in May to present the medals to past winners of
the award.
     Graham has had several exhibitions of her jewelry and metalwork.
Her work has been included in several public and private collections,
including the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, and has appeared in several books.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure