By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Among the photos that Tom Ganser submitted to the Banner from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater commencement ceremony on December 17 were those above that depicted special mortarboards worn by two graduates. Kelli Danielski, Assistant Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, told the Banner that, “It’s fairly common practice for our students…who are graduating with teacher licensure to have the students in their student teaching placement classroom sign or help decorate their caps.”

By the way, those caps that are worn by undergraduates in both the United States and the United Kingdom are often referred to as mortarboards. The name comes from their resemblance to the square tray bricklayers use when applying mortar. The shape of the cap is also believed to signify a book, chosen in recognition of scholarly achievements. These caps are thought to have been created as far back as the 15th century. American graduates in law, medicine and philosophy typically still wear rounded caps.