Significant and mentionable
New Coat Of Arms Unveiled
In January 2012, during the University’s 45th anniversary celebrations, Chief Herald of Canada Claire Boudreau granted the University of Lethbridge an official coat of arms, which is entered in volume VI, page 100 of the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada.
The University of Lethbridge unveiled its official coat of arms at the Fall 2012 Convocation ceremony. Drawing inspiration from previous representations, the new coat of arms has been designed to reflect signature elements of the University of Lethbridge and will be used to represent the University at ceremonial occasions.
The arms features a blue shield with white edging and the University’s signature sun in the centre, representing intellectual enlightenment.
The University has had a coat of arms since its founding in 1967 but it had never been formally granted. In 2008, the University of Lethbridge’s Board of Governors gave approval for the development of armorial bearings from the Canadian Crown under the powers exercised by the Governor General. Made up of individuals from across the University community, the group worked with the Canadian Heraldic Authority and heraldic painter Robert Grey to develop a coat of arms that would accurately represent the University now and into the future.
The eagle feather and the Alberta Wild Rose on the crest above denote the University’s location on traditional Blackfoot land in southern Alberta, while the books are enduring symbols of education. The shield and crest are flanked on the left by a pronghorn, representing the University’s athletic teams, and on the right by a mule deer, a native inhabitant of the area. Together, they also represent the men and women who make up the University community.
The coulee landscape and rough fescue (the official grass of Alberta) are characteristic of southern Alberta, and the sun-grass-animal connection represents the flow of energy that supports all life and reminds us of our own connection with the landscape. The rock below the shield recalls the name “Medicine Rock” bestowed on the University by Blackfoot Elder Bruce Wolf Child in 2002. It also alludes to glacial erratics, large rocks deposited in the area when the glaciers receded. The miner’s lantern, an artifact of the early history of Lethbridge, recalls the idea of the illumination of knowledge and symbolizes the achievements of the more than 34,000 University of Lethbridge alumni. The University’s motto Fiat Lux (Let there be light) appears at the bottom of the coat of arms. The University’s official flag, in use since 1988, was also registered as part of this process.
Coming Soon: New Student Residences Currently, only 10 per cent of U of L students live on campus. Come July 2013, however, that number will double when the new residence in Aperture Park opens its doors to returning students. Located across from the Residence Village and Paterson Centre, the 11,589 sq.m (124,743 sq. ft.), $32-million residence is the University’s largest project currently under construction.
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The five-storey facility will offer 259 double beds within four and twobedroom units, each containing a full kitchen. Several studio rooms will also be available for long term guests and visiting lecturers. Many parts of the building are designed to encourage student interaction including nine study lounges, a games room, an exercise room and a multipurpose room that can be divided into three smaller study spaces.
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