- 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.
Laurentian University of Sudbury
Sudbury, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
March 26, 2010
Vol. V, p. 509
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure on a chevron Argent between in chief two open books proper edged bound and clasped Or and in base a sun in splendour Or, three cross-crosslets fitchy Sable;
Crest
A white pine tree Azure set on a rocky mount Or;
Supporters
Two eagles in Anishinaabe style Argent embellished Azure and Sable;
Motto
EMITTE LUCEM ET VERITATEM;
Flag
A banner of the Arms, adextré Or an eagle in Anishinaabe style contourné Argent embellished Azure and Sable;
Badge
On a hurt a white pine tree Argent set on a mount Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The shield, crest and motto were originally devised in 1960 by faculty member Terence Gaffney. The chevron resembles a roof-top and refers to the university as a house of learning. The open books are a symbol of education and represent the two languages of instruction at Laurentian, one of the few bilingual universities in Canada. The sun alludes to the idea of illumination. The three crosses recall the three church-affiliated colleges (the University of Sudbury, Thorneloe University, and Huntington University) that federated to create the new non-denominational university in 1960.
Crest
The pine tree is a reference to the region. The yellow base is taken from a more recent emblem used by the university. The blue and yellow colours are those of the university.
Supporters
The eagles, using a design by the Anishinaabe artist and Laurentian University alumnus Leland Bell, are a sacred creature for the First Nations and thus refer to the university’s important relationship with the Native community.
Motto
Meaning “Send out light and truth”, the motto refers to the task of the university and to the symbolism of the sun in the arms. It is based on Psalm 43:3.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 23, 2010, in Volume 144, page 2712 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Terence Gaffney (arms, crest and motto) and Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald (supporters and badge), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University