Archival Moment – Nipissing’s coat of arms in the spotlight
As we countdown to our 25th anniversary celebration we plan on looking back on some of the history that has helped shape Nipissing today. Today’s archival moment reflects on the coat of arms. The coat of arms has a long history at Nipissing University and is symbolic of its tradition. After the establishment of Nipissing College in 1967 the Committee on Heraldic Design was formed in 1969 with the goal of creating an official coat of arms. Chair of the committee, Professor Diana M. Walton, presented an oral report to senate on April 8, 1969 outlining two potential heraldic designs. The coat of arms we have adopted today is a result of that vote some 48 years ago.
Fast-forward to 1992, and the granting of our Charter, an ad hoc committee was formed to develop Nipissing University regalia, honorary degree hoods and a mace. At that same time a petition was sent to the Canadian Heraldic Authority to register Nipissing’s coat of arms. In order for it to be granted by the Crown, it had to conform to the technical rules of heraldry and so slight changes were made to the original 1969 coat of arms.
The Nipissing crest contains three main elements: the sun, water, and the owl. The sun, our source of light, is symbolic of the illumination of learning. The water recalls the University’s connection with Lake Nipissing, the origin of the institution’s name. Like the sun, water sustains life and represents the abundant gifts of nature with which humans must live in harmony. The Athenian owl symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and antiquity. By facing front, it represents seeing the world as it is, which is the task and purpose of the University. The motto, Integritas, is Latin for the spirit of integrity, the desirable mode of human conduct and intellectual inquiry.
Stay tuned to future editions of the NU News as we re-live events from Nipissing’s past.
Special thanks to Ed Driedger, Manager, Archives and Access Services, in the Harris Learning Library for providing the original documentation.