Quaecumque sunt vera (Latin)

Ὁ Λόγος πλήρης χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας—Ho logos pleres charitos kai aletheias (Greek)

These are the mottos of the university and what has been the trademark of our seal for nearly 100 years. Choosing to utilize the Greek and Latin languages is an implementation of classical reception. Greek architecture and especially the language itself exude knowledge and timeless intellectualism. Choosing to use this language is a powerful classical element.

          The utilization of an open book at the core of the seal suggests that it is the most important element or the central theme of the university. The choice to use an open book could be a choice driven by classical themes. From the beginning of time, knowledge has come hand and hand with power. Books have an iconic representation of knowledge or the pursuit of knowledge. Using this image in combination with the Greek verse “The word… full of truth and grace” suggests a classical theme of intellectual dominance. It is true, however, that the even more iconic symbol for knowledge is the papyrus roll. However, the papyrus roll is not seen very often on the university seals.

Bibliography

1. “University Seal & Motto; University Coat of Arms” collection, Northwestern University Archives, Evanston IL
2. Winterer, Caroline. The Culture of Classicism: Ancient Greece and Rome in American Intellectual Life. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002.