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This is a vintage University of Chicago 50 Year Alumni Medallion for Mrs. Eugene H. Harper (Annie Lewis Adams Harper). I believe the medallion is bronze. It measures 2 3/4" (69.85 mm.) in diameter. There are relief (raised) images on both the front (obverse) and back (reverse) side of the medallion. It comes in a maroon case which measures 4 1/2" X 3 3/4". There are no chips or scratches.
The front of the medallion reads "THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO ALUMNI FIFTY YEARS" and the the official symbol and coat of arms for The University of Chicago:a red phoenix rising from flames alongside an open book.The Phoenix: A traditional symbol of rebirth and renewal, representing the university's founding on the site of the earlier, bankrupt old University of Chicago.The Book: An expanded open book depicted across the top portion of the shield, symbolizing higher education and learning.The Latin Motto: The book bears the inscription "Crescat scientia; vita excolatur", which translates to "Let knowledge grow from more to more; and so be human life enriched".
The reverse side of the medallion shows the image of Gothic-Style academic buildings. Beneath this image: "Mrs. Eugene H. Harper 1895". If Mrs. Harper were an 1895 graduate, then the medallion dates to 1945. Annie Adams Harper was born on December 19, 1868 in Manchester, Connecticut. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Lake Forest University in 1893. She delivered the salutatory address at that graduation ceremony. She apparently then graduated from the University of Chicago in 1895. Her husband was Eugene Howard Harper, also a University of Chicago graduate, and a Professor of Zoology. Annie Harper died on August 24, 1963.
