Coat of arms of Western Reserve University
1 2020-09-03T19:32:07+00:00 Julia Teran 9aca9c408841ff28b321d7128a1e5c918a151e1d 9 2 Coat of arms of Western Reserve University, 1951-1954 plain 2020-09-10T16:01:09+00:00 00834 1951-1954 1951-1954 Western Reserve University ; F73000 Symbols public domain Western Reserve University CWRU Archives Things Julia Teran 9aca9c408841ff28b321d7128a1e5c918a151e1dThis page is referenced by:
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Coats of Arms
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This section contains images of the coats of arms for Western Reserve University, Case Institute of Technology, and Case Western Reserve University, as well as information about the dates they were used, and other details of design and usage.
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2021-03-02T17:19:52+00:00
Definition of "coat of arms": an arrangement of bearings, usually depicted on and around a shield, that indicates ancestry and distinctions.
Western Reserve University
1951-1954
Coat of Arms of Western Reserve UniversitySymbolism
In scarlet red and white, this coat of arms uses elements of both the Western Reserve College seal and the Western Reserve University seal. The shield, in heraldic terms, represents faith. An open book, which signifies scholarship and the Old and New Testaments, has the Hebrew character "aleph" and the Greek character "omega" on its pages. These symbols represent the Hebrew and Greek origins of Western thought. Wisdom and honor are symbolized by the sun, while its twelve rays represent the twelve original trustees of WRC. The eleven spaces between the rays signify the schools of WRU in 1951. The simplicity of the two-color design was meant "to signify the efficiency and contemporaneous viewpoint of a unified, well-ordered institution of higher learning."
Despite the approval of a design that included the Hebrew letter "aleph", the original sketch, like the one pictured here, incorrectly featured the Greek letter "Nu."Development
Designed by WRU's Division of Art, a committee headed by WRU president emeritus Winfred Leutner presented the coat of arms to the trustees' Executive Committee on January 11, 1951. At that same meeting, it was approved for use.Usage
It was recommended that the coat of arms could be used on publications, advertisements, jewelry, etc. It was not to be used in place of the seal on official documents.
Coat of Arms of Western Reserve University with year 1
1951-1954Symbolism
This is a variation of the original coat of arms, but also features the date "1826" below the shield. The date 1826 refers to the establishment date of WRC.
Coat of Arms of Western Reserve University 2
1954-1967Symbolism
This is much the same as the previous WRU coat of arms, but with several additions that move the design away from the simplicity of the first. The simple scarlet and white are replaced with heraldic colors. The background of the book is azure blue, which denotes truth, the book remains white, and the sun and its rays are golden. The date "1826," in black, has been incorporated into the shield.
The Greek letter "Nu" is replaced by the Hebrew letter "aleph."Development
The May 20, 1954 edition of the student newspaper, Reserve Tribune, described the changes to the WRU coat of arms. The motivation for these changes is unknown.
Coat of Arms with Olive Branches of Western Reserve University 1
1954-1967Symbolism
This coat of arms exhibits the optional feature of crossed olive branches, which implies peace and achievement.
Coat of Arms of Western Reserve University with Ribbon 1
1954-1967Symbolism
This coat of arms exhibits the optional feature of a ribbon that reads "Western Reserve University."
Case School of Applied Science / Case Institute of Technology1942-1967
Coat of Arms of Case Institute of Technology 1Symbolism
In the shape of a shield, this coat of arms features many symbols related to industry. The white fields display the activities and ideals of the school, while the brown fields suggest the results and benefits of these activities.
In the upper left corner of the shield, the star symbolizes pure science and the high ideals of the school's founder, Leonard Case, Jr. Diagonal from the star, the target represents the applied sciences. In the lower right white space, the clarion (with bells rather than pipes), an ancient musical instrument, "recognized the inclusion of the classics, and the various cultural subjects in the curriculum." In the opposite corner from the clarion is a drafting instrument.
In the brown field in the upper right corner, industry is represented by the gear, while the building symbolizes engineering structures. In the lower left corner, the shield over the eagle suggests the defense of the nation.
The letters spelling Case are brown.Development
Professor of Engineering Drawing, Oliver M. Stone, designed the coat of arms. It was approved by Case trustees' Executive Committee on September 17, 1942.Usage
It was to be used on jackets and stationery, as well as "other places where its decorative effect can be appreciated."
Case Western Reserve University1967-2008+
Coat of Arms of Case Western Reserve University 1Symbolism
The shield represents faith, while wisdom and honor are signified by the golden sun. The star stands for science. The crossed laurel branches represent achievement and academic honors. The date 1826 signifies the establishment of WRU.Development
Case Western Reserve University was established on July 1, 1967, through the federation of WRU and Case. WRU president John S. Millis formed an advisory ad hoc committee to design coat of arms for the new University. Millis presented the coat of arms to the trustees of CWRU, who approved it at their first meeting on July 5, 1967. The coat of arms was designed by William Ward of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
