Franklin University "Commencing" Sculpture

"Commencing" was created by local artist Todd Slaughter, who is best known for “Vanitas,” the sculpture in the atrium of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 

Slaughter designed “Commencing,” which is a large mortarboard, to symbolize academic achievement and the exuberance of graduation. The mortarboard, which is being fabricated by Edwards Steel, consists of a steel frame covered by a textured sheet metal skin. The tassel is a grouping of twisted aluminum rods.  The mortarboard weighs 10,500 pounds and will be supported by 13 cables and five masts on either side of Rich Street, near Grant Avenue.