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Edmonton, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
March 20, 2008
Vol. V, p. 268
Arms of the Grant MacEwan CollegeBlazonAzure on a rose Argent a plate fimbriated Azure; SymbolismBlue and white are the academic colours of the College. The rose refers to the wild rose, the provincial floral emblem, and thus to the fact that Grant MacEwan College is the largest college in Alberta. 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. |
CrestBlazonA sparrow wings elevated and addorsed perched on a walking-staff fesswise proper; SymbolismThe sparrow was an important bird for Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan (1902-2000), the College’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 college mace. |
MottoBlazonDISCENDO FLOREMUS; SymbolismThe Latin sentence means “Through learning we flourish". |
SupportersBlazonTwo griffins per fess Azure and Argent beaked and membered Argent standing on a compartment of prairie grass set with wild roses proper; SymbolismThe griffin is the symbol of the college’s sports teams (the MacEwan Griffins), symbolizing courage, swiftness and excellence. The prairie grass and wild roses indicate Alberta. |
Flag of the Grant MacEwan CollegeBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of the Grant MacEwan CollegeBlazonOn a plate fimbriated Azure, a griffin’s head erased Azure; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 22, 2008 in Volume 142, page 2983 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterGordon Macpherson CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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