Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union
Waterloo, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
January 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 271

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Blazon

Arms

Argent a sprig of three maple leaves Gules, on a chief wavy Purpure a bar wavy Or below a Luther rose (Argent seeded of a heart Gules bearing a Latin cross Argent) and an antique lamp Argent enflamed Or;

Crest

A demi-sun in splendour Or charged with a pair of maple seeds Gules;

Supporters

Two hawks wings elevated and addorsed Or each gorged with a collar per fess rayonné Purpure and Or, standing on a cement beam Purpure;

Motto

NECESSITATIBUS SCHOLASTICORUM PROVIDERE;

Symbolism

Arms

The Students' Union exists as a body within the University. Thus, this relationship is alluded to in the chief division of the shield and by retaining the Luther rose, a symbol of the University's heritage. The silver lamp of learning links to the open book in the arms of the University, signifying that the students are seekers of the knowledge which is being opened to them by the University. The sprig of red maple leaves makes a final link to the maple leaves in the arms of Wilfrid Laurier University, reversing the colours that appear on the University coat of arms. The wavy fess indicates that students are not expected to stand still, but to "make waves" and become innovators of change.

Crest

Red maple seeds represent young Canadians. The sun connects to the ancient idea of the hawk's ability to look directly into the sun.

Supporters

The supporters are differenced with the same type of collar as the University's supporters, in the university colours. They are a symbol of the university and its teams. They stand on a beam representing the Fred Nichols Campus Centre, which was named after Dean Nichols, who helped start the Students' Union.

Motto

A Latin phrase meaning "Providing for the needs of students." The motto deals with the purpose of the Students' Union