- The Governor General of Canada
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Grant MacEwan College
Edmonton, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
March 20, 2008
Vol. V, p. 268
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Blazon
Arms
Azure on a rose Argent a plate fimbriated Azure;
Crest
A sparrow wings elevated and addorsed perched on a walking-staff fesswise proper;
Supporters
Two griffins per fess Azure and Argent beaked and membered Argent standing on a compartment of prairie grass set with wild roses proper;
Motto
DISCENDO FLOREMUS;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue and white are the academic colours of the College. The rose refers to the wild rose, the provincial floral emblem, and thus to the fact that Grant MacEwan College is the largest college in Alberta. The circle is a symbol of the never-ending process of learning, as well as of inclusiveness. As a circle, it also relates to the earliest inhabitants of the area and as a component of the medicine wheel, a First Nations symbol.
Crest
The sparrow was an important bird for Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan (1902-2000), the College’s namesake and a former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. It is mentioned in his personal creed, written in 1969. Its outstretched wings indicate aspiration and striving. The walking stick is something Dr. MacEwan carved and is now used as the college mace.
Supporters
The griffin is the symbol of the college’s sports teams (the MacEwan Griffins), symbolizing courage, swiftness and excellence. The prairie grass and wild roses indicate Alberta.
Motto
The Latin sentence means “Through learning we flourish".