Seal, Mace and Coat of Arms
GW’s seal, the University mace and our coat of arms serve as important visual symbols of the University’s heritage and prestige. In particular, they celebrate our connection to the vision, character and persona of George Washington.
University Seal
The seal of The George Washington University is used to identify and endorse diplomas and other official documents. The two-inch-diameter seal bears an image of George Washington based on a well-known painting by Gilbert Stuart. An open Bible shows a verse from the gospel of St. John, in Greek. The seal is encircled with a double ring, in azure, carrying the words “the George Washington University, 1821.”
University Mace
A mace, or staff, is carried by a dignitary at official events to mark the power and prestige of an institution. At Commencement and other GW ceremonies, our University marshal carries the University mace. It represents the standing of the University and the power of higher education as a force for good. The University mace was created by Harry Irving Gates, associate professor of sculpture, and was presented by the Faculty Women’s Club of The George Washington University. A profile of George Washington is displayed on the mace’s flanges.
The Coat of Arms
The Colonial Coat of Arms is a unique symbol of GW’s heritage. Great Britain’s York Herald of Arms presented it to the University at GW’s 1997 Commencement ceremony. The coat of arms shows George and Martha Washington holding a heraldic shield beneath a cupola that symbolizes Mount Vernon, Washington's home. The shield itself bears three stars and two stripes, emblems from the armorial bearings of Washington's family. Other elements, such as the brick walkway and roses, refer to more modern GW traditions.
Seeing Symbols of the University’s Heritage and Prestige
The Seal, Mace and Coat of Arms are symbols of the University that you can see at GW ceremonies such as Freshman Convocation and Commencement.
The GW Experience
Students
An Incubator for Ideas
GW student entrepreneurs may apply for spots in entrepreneurship incubator.
A Home Away from Home
Twins study medicine and public health at George Washington.
Student Co-Produces New Album
George Washington student José Curbelo helped produce an album of northern Uruguayan music for Smithsonian Folkways.
A Call to Service
GW students traveled to Guatemala, Honduras, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Puerto Rico as part of the fourth annual Alternative Winter Break program.
Faculty
Teaching Campaigning in Cairo
GSPM professors teach practical skills to emerging politicians in Egypt.
South African Youth Perform at GW
Latest collaboration between Professor of Theatre Leslie Jacobson and the Bokamoso Youth Centre premieres Friday.
A Life-Changing Course
Today’s reading by Aryeh Lev Stollman, author of “The Far Euphrates,” is the first of six from visiting artists in this spring’s Jewish Literature Live course.
Alumni
Medical Alumni Can ‘Adopt a Doc’
New scholarship program enables graduates to put a face and name to donations.
GW Alumni, Graduate Student Win Fulbrights
Fifteen alumni and one doctoral student will conduct research around the globe with 2011-12 Fulbrights.
Furry Friend Gets Kids Excited About Learning
George Washington alumna helped create a curriculum for elementary school students centered on the dog who used to serve as the postal service’s mascot.