Case Western Reserve University Archives

Seals

Definition of "seal": an emblem, symbol, or word used to certify a signature or authenticate a document from an institution.

Western Reserve College/Western Reserve University 

1826-1827

Development
On March 2, 1826, the Western Reserve College trustees approved the design of a seal for the new school. Until that seal could be manufactured and delivered, the trustees, on March 3, 1826, adopted the crown and pillar side of a Spanish dollar as a temporary seal. This temporary seal was needed to approve the first official document of WRC, a contract between the new college and Colonel Lemuel Porter to construct the first campus building, Middle College, in Hudson. This temporary seal was needed to approve the first official document of WRC, a contract between the new college and Colonel Lemuel Porter to construct the first campus building, Middle College, in Hudson.

1827-1882

Symbolism
This seal features a heart with an open book on it, with the Hebrew character "aleph," and the Greek character "omega," representing the Hebrew and Greek origins of Western thought. The date "A. D. 1826" refers to the year that WRC was established. The motto "Christo et Ecclesiae" is Latin for "For Christ and the Church."
Development
On March 2, 1826, the WRC trustees approved the design of the new seal. It was reported at the WRC trustee meeting on August 27, 1827 that the new seal had arrived and was then to be the seal of the school. On March 2, 1826, the WRC trustees approved the design of the new seal. It was reported at the WRC trustee meeting on August 27, 1827 that the new seal had arrived and was then to be the seal of the school.
 

1882-1885

Symbolism
This seal was adapted from the WRC seal, 1827-1882. In the band, the text "Adelbert College of Western Reserve University" replaces "Western Reserve College."
Development
In fall 1882, WRC moved to Cleveland from Hudson and was renamed "Adelbert College of Western Reserve University." The seal was modified to reflect the change in the name of the institution. The seal was modified to reflect the change in the name of the institution.
 

1885-1932

Symbolism
This two inch seal resembles the seal of the State of Ohio in its use of the rising sun. "Lux" is Latin for "light."
Development
The Medical Department, which had been part of WRC, refused to adopt the new name "Adelbert College of Western Reserve University." In response, Western Reserve University was incorporated in April 1884, and the Medical Department became part of it. Because Adelbert College of Western Reserve University and WRU were not part of the same corporation until 1941, a new seal had to be designed for WRU. At the January 7, 1885 Medical Department faculty meeting, a committee was appointed "to confer with the president and secretary of the [WRU] Board of Trustees as to the proper design of a seal and wording of the diploma and also to arranged to procure them." One month later, diplomas awarded by the Medical Department to the class of 1885 bore the new seal. One month later, diplomas awarded by the Medical Department to the class of 1885 bore the new seal. 

1932-1967

Symbolism
This seal is similar to the WRU seal, 1885-1932, except for some minor changes. The word "Cleveland" is added to the text in the outside band. Also, an inner band now surrounds the rays of the rising sun. The date "1826," which refers to the date of establishment of WRC, replaces the star.
Development
At their meeting on April 27, 1932, the WRU trustees' Executive Committee approved the changes to the seal. At their meeting on April 27, 1932, the WRU trustees' Executive Committee approved the changes to the seal.
 

Case School of Applied Science / Case Institute of Technology 

1882-1925

Symbolism
Like the WRU seal created in the same decade, this seal features a rising sun similar to the one found on the seal of the State of Ohio. "1880" is the year that the Case School of Applied Science was established, and "Cleveland, O." was the school’s location.
Development
The Case trustees approved the seal at their November 7, 1882 meeting.


1925-1947

Symbolism
Similar to the previous seal, the word "The" appears before "Case School of Applied Science."
Development
The Case corporation approved the changes at its October 22, 1925 meeting, and formally set the size of the seal at 2 1/4 inches. On October 19, 1932, the Case corporation approved the seal size to be reduced to 1 3/4 inches. On October 19, 1932, the Case corporation approved the seal size to be reduced to 1 3/4 inches.
 

1947-1967

Symbolism
In the band, "Case Institute of Technology" replaces "The Case School of Applied Science."
Development
Due to the change of the school’s name, the Case corporation approved the modified seal on July 25, 1947.
Usage
The seal was to be embossed on all diplomas, honorary degrees, identification cards, and official publications. The seal was to be embossed on all diplomas, honorary degrees, identification cards, and official publications.
 

Case Western Reserve University 

1967-2008+

Symbolism
This seal combines elements of the Case and WRU seals, in particular the rising sun.
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 a seal for the new University. Members included trustees, faculty, staff, and William Ward from the Cleveland Museum of Art. Millis presented the seal to the trustees of CWRU, who approved it at their first meeting on July 5, 1967.
Usage
In 1991, it was decided that use of the seal should be limited to formal and ceremonial functions. Because it was difficult to read, it would no longer appear on university stationery, publications, or advertisements.

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