- The Governor General of Canada
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Rector of Queen's University at Kingston
Kingston, Ontario
Grant of a Badge of Office
October 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 406
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
On a hurt a demi puma issuant from an ancient crown and holding in the dexter paw a balance Or, all encircled by a belt Gules fimbriated, buckled, its tip adorned with a maple leaf and inscribed PRINCEPS SERVUSQUE ES, meaning "Be a leader and a servant", in letters Or;
Motto
PRINCEPS SERVUSQUE ES;
Symbolism
Badge
The three colours are those of Queen's University. The puma is the symbol of the Office of the Rector, a tradition started by Rector Michael Kealy in 2000. The crown appears in the border of the arms of Queen's University as a reference to its name. The balance is a symbol of justice and equity and thus represents the Rector's role in acting as an ombudsperson for students. The strap and buckle design is characteristic of Scottish heraldry and thus refers to the fact that the position of Rector is based on a similar post in the four ancient Scottish universities. The maple leaf is a mark of Canadian identity.
Motto
Meaning "Be a leader and a servant" and was inspired by Queen's Principal George Monro Grant, who said: "If you can become at once the servant and the leader of [others], then you will show what Queen's has done for you." The Latin translation of the motto is based on a suggestion by Sean M. Rodgers, Artsci '04.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on June 11, 2005, in Volume 139, page 2034 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of John Matheson and Gordon Macpherson, Niagara Herald Extraordinary, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Heather Taylor
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University Faculty, Department & College