UPEI welcomes new Coat of Arms
The Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, the Honourable Barbara A. Hagerman, presented UPEI's new coat of arms to a well-represented University community at the Founders' Day ceremony, September 24.
'It is with pride that I unveil, on behalf of Her Majesty and the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the coat of arms for the University of Prince Edward Island,' said Her Honour. 'I have seen how UPEI has grown over the decades as the successor institution to St. Dunstan's University and Prince of Wales College.'
Based on an original concept by David Webber and modified by the Canadian Heraldic Authority in consultation with the University, the images of the coat of arms symbolize UPEI's role as a centre of advanced learning and depict the heritage of the two founding institutions - St. Dunstan's University (SDU) and Prince of Wales College (PWC).
UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan said, 'We stand on tall shoulders, and Founders' Day is a time to remind ourselves of those who worked through many challenges to bring UPEI to where it is today, and recommit to the mission that there are still breakthroughs to be made and upward slopes to climb to make this University great in the fullest possible sense.'
'This beautiful coat of arms embraces our heritage and this mission, and our sense of place, as a University,' he added. 'Together with the UPEI flag, it gives everyone attached to the University a lift, to present ourselves with pride and dignity. It has been really impressive to see how visitors respond to the coat of arms and flag, reminiscent of the wisdom about ‘seeing ourselves as others see us'.'
'The approval of the Coat of Arms, one so steeped in the tradition of our founding institutions, will certainly help with our effort to attract more international students, especially those from Asia,' added Jerry Wang, International Enrolment Specialist at UPEI. 'They see the history and brand of the University as important factors when choosing their destinations of higher learning.'
The presentation was the culmination of a process that began in 2002. The Canadian Heraldic Authority, on behalf of the Queen, approved the armorial bearings, which include the coat of arms, crest, flag, and motto, on March 15, 2010.
The SDU symbols are the hammer and tongs used in St. Dunstan's trade as a blacksmith, and the bishop's ring. PWC is represented by the crown and three ostrich feather plumes of the Prince of Wales. An open book conveys UPEI's educational mission while supporting black panthers represent the varsity sports teams, the UPEI Panthers. The rust and green colours evoke the landscape of Prince Edward Island, and an oak tree and saplings reference the PEI coat of arms.
'This is the most prestigious representation of the University's visual identity,' said director of Integrated Communications at UPEI, Glenda Clements. 'We look forward to displaying it with pride.'
The University's motto, rendered in latin, is Fides Scientia Beneficium, meaning Faith Knowledge Service.
