- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario
Grant of Arms
January 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 324
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Blazon
Arms
Per saltire Purpure and Argent in chief an open book proper edged and clasped Or in fess two hurts that to the dexter charged with a demi-stag contourné Argent that to the sinister charged with a demi-lion double-queued Ermine ducally crowned and in base a maple leaf, on a chief Or a sun rising Gules;
Crest
In front of a branch of maple Gules an open book proper edged and clasped Or;
Supporters
Dexter a moose, sinister a lynx Or;
Motto
VERITAS ET UTILITAS;
Symbolism
Arms
Purple and white are the university’s colours. The open book is a symbol of education, and the maple leaf refers to Canada. The stag is one of the supporters of the coat of arms used by the city of London, Ontario, since 1840. The double-tailed crowned lion in ermine is taken from the arms used by the Rev. Canon Alfred Peache, an early benefactor of the university. The rising sun symbolizes the aspirations of young graduates.
Crest
The branch of maple and the open book are Canadian and educational references.
Supporters
The moose and lynx are Canadian animals, the moose being one of the supporters of the arms of Ontario.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Truth and usefulness”.