Honor Cords
Graduating from college is an incredible achievement. In recognition of this accomplishment, the commencement ceremony is a graduate’s day of celebration, the culmination of hard work and determination with every stride across the stage. Long a tradition at commencement, honor cords are worn for the ceremony, with each color recognizing the wearer as a recipient of a significant achievement or award. But what are these colors? What do they signify? And why do they mean anything at Thomas Edison State University? These questions, and more, are explained below.
To learn more about your eligibility for honor cords, please refer to the Awards and Honor Societies page or learn how to earn your Philanthropy Cord by giving back.
Honor Cords Explained
Burgundy & Gold
The burgundy and gold honor cord designates graduates as Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor recipients. Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society recognizes adult students who have achieved academic excellence while fulfilling the many responsibilities of family, work and community.Double Gold
The double gold honor cord designates recipients of the Arnold Fletcher Award. This award recognizes baccalaureate graduates for exceptional achievement in non-traditional learning and has demonstrated academic excellence using one or more of the innovative learning modes recognized by the University.
Purple & Gold
The purple and gold honor cord designates graduates as Delta Mu Delta Honor Society in Business recipients. This award recognizes scholarship and achievement among students in undergraduate and graduate business programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP).Violet, Jade & Gold
The violet, jade and gold honor cord designates graduates as Kappa Delta Pi Honor recipients. Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education, recognizes the academic achievements and professional accomplishments of educators worldwide.
Red, White & Blue
The red, white and blue honor cord designates graduates who have served or currently serve in every branch of our United States military.Green
The green honor cord designates graduates who have made a monetary gift symbolic of their graduation year toward the TESU Foundation. The cord recognizes the generosity and spirit of giving in graduates as they join together to support future generations.
Blue & Gold
The blue and gold honor cord designates graduates as Order of the Sword and Shield National Honor Society recipients. The Order of the Sword & Shield Honor Society is the first academic and professional honor society dedicated exclusively to the disciplines of homeland security, intelligence, emergency management and protective security.Green & Gold
The green and gold honor cord designates graduates as Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society recipients. The Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society recognizes scholarship and achievement among students of business, management and administration.
