Grant MacEwan University

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Canada > Educational heraldry

GRANT MACEWAN UNIVERSITY

Country: Canada
Campus/location : Edmonton

Official 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

Origin/meaning

The arms were initially granted on March 20, 2008 (to the then MacEwan College) and again on May 20, 2010.

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.

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.

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.

The motto means “Through learning we flourish”.