MEDALLION DEPICTS VINCE LOMBARDI AS LAUREL-CROWNED HERO

The legend of perhaps the most famous person in Green Bay history will grow with the creation of the Palma Vincentiana, measuring 3 inches across.

The medallion — the Vincent Award — bears the likeness of Vince Lombardi as if he were a victorious, laurel-crowned hero in Roman times.

“I think it looks awesome,” said Kevin Quinn, director of the national “Sport and Society in America” conference that St. Norbert College and the Green Bay Packers will host May 26-28.

At least four medallions will be given to winners in photo and film judging at the conference. Ten medallions are being made at a cost of about $10,000, Quinn said.

The makers expect the medallions to be prized.

“When I show people this, they say, ‘Wow, that's cool, I want one,'” said Nick Patton, the St. Norbert graphic artist who designed the medallion. “I guess that's the first reaction you want to get from making an award.”

Patton's response to those who want a medallion: “Well, you can't have one. You've got to earn it.”

The Lombardi family approved of the image for use solely on an award. The medallions are not for sale.

At the first meeting about creating a medallion, the thinking was, “We want something that's going to be emblematic of the relationship between the Packers and St. Norbert, and it was pretty quick that Lombardi was going to be the choice,” Quinn said.

The medallion's Roman coin concept stems from Bill Bohne, longtime St. Norbert art professor.

“We felt all along this is not going to be irreverent, but at the same time we didn't want it to become too super pompous,” Bohne said.

That certainly is the case on the reverse side of the medallion. On it is a line in Latin: “Quod nefas ibi accidit.”

It's the translation of a Lombardi sideline rant at his team: “What the hell's going on out here?”

That was part of Lombardi's persona in his push for excellence, Quinn said.

“I think that gives it the right tone,” Patton said. “When you look at this thing, it's very Roman, very serious looking. And then to have that little tag line in there just gives it the right tone, I feel.”

To read the complete article, see: Medallion depicts Vince Lombardi as laurel-crowned hero (www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100413/PKR03/
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Wayne Homren, Editor

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