Elements
Arms: The X shape symbolizes the college as a crossroads where students from varied backgrounds meet and then follow various life paths. It also alludes to the Langara campus, which features angular buildings surrounded by green space. The book indicates that Langara is an educational body, and the cherry blossoms are a feature of Vancouver in the spring.
Crest: The pantheon represents imagination, achievement and the natural world. The use of gold stars on green refers to the arms of the Spanish admiral Juan de Langara y Huarte, for whom the College was named. The mariner’s compass also alludes to the early Spanish explorers, as well as the college’s role in guiding its students.
Motto: This Latin phrase means “Knowledge is freedom”.
Supporters: The falcon is the mascot of the college’s intercollegiate sports teams. The binary code on their collars (meaning “L” and “C” for Langara College) honours the college’s commitment to innovation in instructional information technology. The base of river grass represents the location of the college’s campus in the territory of the Musqueam Nation, “Musqueam” meaning “People of the River Grass”.
Flag: This follows the structure of the National Flag of Canada.
History
In May 2009, Langara’s Board passed a resolution to apply to the Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA) for a grant of armorial bearings. That resolution sparked a collaborative process within the College to create our new Coat of Arms. A group that included faculty, staff, an alumnus, a former employee and a member of the community, worked together with one of the Heralds to identify potential elements to include in the arms. Students, alumni, and employees were surveyed to provide feedback on those selections. Consultations were held with the Musqueam First Nation, upon whose lands Langara sits, regarding appropriate symbols to include in the design. The committee reviewed many drafts of the design, and in the fall of 2013, the President approved the final design. Painter Linda Nicholson and calligrapher Shirley Mangione at the Canadian Heraldic Authority then worked to create the Letters Patent, which Langara received in the summer of 2014.
Starting in June 2015, the Coat of Arms will be used to represent the College on diplomas and other official documentation.
Coat of Arms Unveiling Ceremony
On Thursday, January 28, 2015, Langara College officially unveiled its Coat of Arms at a ceremony on campus. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada unveiled the Coat of Arms along with President Lane Trotter. Rideau Herald Emeritus Robert Watt took on the role of reading the official proclamation.
Graphic Standards
Use of the Coat of Arms and its elements in any form (online or print) must receive written approval from Strategic Communications & Marketing. Please view our Coat of Arms Graphics Usage Guideline for more information.