University Mace

The University of Alberta Mace was designed and crafted specifically for the University as a gift from Dr. Francis Phillip Galbraith, Chancellor of the University of Alberta from 1964-1970. It was presented by his son, Michael Galbraith, on behalf of his father on 26 May 1970.

Among its elements are: the Star of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Patron Saint of Scholars; the Wild Rose of Alberta; the Maple Leaf; and the separate charges which make up the University's Emblem. The University motto encircles the staff. The Mace is made of sterling silver which was rhodium plated after the insertion of the various enamelled shields which make up its elements. A special electro-plate process was used to apply 24 carat gold to other parts of the Mace.

The ceremonial stand for the Mace was donated in 1987 as a memorial gift by family and friends of Dr. Charles Malcolm Macleod, Chair of the Board of Governors 1950-66, together with two ceremonial chairs for use by the President and the Chair of the Board of Governors at Convocation.

It was intended that the Mace should be modern in appearance but with medieval origins. The preponderance of visual weight at the top of the staff and the rather complex section through the metalwork at this point are reminiscent of the use of the mace as a weapon, defensive or aggressive. The Mace is carried before the Chancellor, or Vice-Chancellor, in procession and rests on its stand in full view of the assembly during Convocation. Centuries ago the Mace was a symbol of authority over life and death. Today it represents power - but the power of knowledge and the importance of the University in the community.

University Chair

The Chancellor's Chair was presented to the University of Alberta as a gift from the 1922 graduating class. It is made of solid oak with a padded leather back and seat. Above the padded leather back is carved the University motto Quaecumque Vera together with the class year, 1922, and the University emblem.

In 1987, the family and friends of Dr. Charles Malcolm Macleod, Chair of the Board of Governors from 1950-1966, presented a memorial gift to the University of an oak stand for the University of Alberta Mace and two additional chairs for use by the President and the Chair of the Board of Governors at Convocation.

University Coat of Arms

In June 1994, His Excellency the Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, Governor General of Canada, presented the University of Alberta with its Coat of Arms. The full Coat of Arms is displayed at ceremonial occasions such as Convocation, and is used by the Chancellor, the titular head of the University.

The symbolism of the University's Armorial Bearings (Coat of Arms) is:

Shield
A representation of the topography of Alberta rendered in the colours of the University. At the base is a prairie wheat field symbolizing Alberta's agricultural industry. The wavy gold line above suggests the hills and rivers of Alberta and, in particular, the setting of the University campus. The top of the shield is in gold and separated from the rest of the shield by a line suggesting the Rocky Mountains. The book of learning dominates the design.

Crest
A Grand-Duc d'Amérique, or Great Horned Owl, the provincial bird and an accepted symbol of knowledge.

Supporters
The Pronghorn, taken from the Provincial Coat of Arms, and the golden bear, mascot of the University. Both wear collars of the University colours, as does the owl.

Compartment (base of the Coat of Arms)
A grassy mound with wild roses, the floral emblem of Alberta.

Motto
Quaecumque vera - whatsoever things are true (Phil 4:8).

University Senate Chamber

Located in the Arts Building, the original room used for Senate meetings is oval-shaped. The floor is hardwood and the original wainscotting is oak. The moulded ceiling needed little or no repair when the room was upgraded as part of the remodelling of the Arts Building in 1988. Although the present-day Senate is too large to meet in the Chamber for its plenary sessions, members decided to raise money at the time of the remodelling, to ensure that the room would be appropriately furnished. An oval table, 20 leather chairs, a podium, a Wilton carpet and two modern sculptures were purchased, and the "Tory Desk" refurbished and placed in the room. Two Varley portraits (of the first Chancellor and the first President) hang in this room. It is used for seminars and small meetings as part of the academic program, and Senate occasionally uses it for a special committee meeting.

Hoc convivio firmati, praecepto nostrae universitatis parentes, constantius sequamur quaecumque vera.

Translated:
Refreshed by this meal and fellowship, obeying the precept of this our University,
let us pursue more steadfastly whatsoever things are true.

Ring out a cheer for our Alberta
A song of praise to Varsity.
For the splendour of our mountains
Our prairies green and gold.
Ranked beneath whose glowing colours,
Thy legions march enrolled.
Our memories will live forever
Beloved University.
We will fight for thee and cheer
And ever hold thine honour dear.
Our Alma Mater U of A
Green and gold! Quaecumque Vera!
Guide us through each coming era,
Guide us on through battle gory
To a new and greater glory.