- 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.
Grant MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta
Confirmation of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
May 20, 2010
Vol. V, p. 516
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
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;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On a plate fimbriated Azure, a griffin’s head erased Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue and white are the academic colours of the University. The rose refers to the wild rose, the provincial floral emblem. 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 University’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 University mace.
Supporters
The griffin is the symbol of the University’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”.
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 March 26, 2011, in Volume 145, page 1074 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University
The recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the name of Grant MacEwan College in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Volume V, p. 268, 20 March 2008.