Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada)

Wilfrid Laurier University is located in Waterloo, Ontario and is named after a former Canadian Prime Minister. The official flag of the university is unique in that it was not granted to the University directly but to the Wilfrid Laurier University Student Union 'acting in its capacity as the duly constituted Agent of the University, a Corporation Sole, under the statutes of the Province of Ontario.' The flag, as well as the University Logo, a golden eagle in flight stooping to strike, which is a separate grant and is not included in the present listing, was granted by the Office of the Governor-General of Canada, and was designed by the Punlic egister of Arms, Badges, and Flags of Canada. The flag and arms of the Student Union can be seen at the Canadian heraldry website.

Blazon

Arms

Argent a sprig of three maple leaves Gules, on a chief wavy Purpure a bar wavy Or below a Luther rose (Argent seeded of a heart Gules bearing a Latin cross Argent) and an antique lamp Argent enflamed Or;

Crest

A demi-sun in splendour Or charged with a pair of maple seeds Gules;

Supporters

Two hawks wings elevated and addorsed Or each gorged with a collar per fess rayonné Purpure and Or, standing on a cement beam Purpure;

Motto

NECESSITATIBUS SCHOLASTICORUM PROVIDERE;

Symbolism

Arms

The Students' Union exists as a body within the University. Thus, this relationship is alluded to in the chief division of the shield and by retaining the Luther rose, a symbol of the University's heritage. The silver lamp of learning links to the open book in the arms of the University, signifying that the students are seekers of the knowledge which is being opened to them by the University. The sprig of red maple leaves makes a final link to the maple leaves in the arms of Wilfrid Laurier University, reversing the colours that appear on the University coat of arms. The wavy fess indicates that students are not expected to stand still, but to "make waves" and become innovators of change.

Crest

Red maple seeds represent young Canadians. The sun connects to the ancient idea of the hawk's ability to look directly into the sun.

Supporters

The supporters are differenced with the same type of collar as the University's supporters, in the university colours. They are a symbol of the university and its teams. They stand on a beam representing the Fred Nichols Campus Centre, which was named after Dean Nichols, who helped start the Students' Union.

Motto

A Latin phrase meaning "Providing for the needs of students." The motto deals with the purpose of the Students' Union.

Ron Lahav, 3 December 2006