History
In l910 the Canada Synod and Synod of Central Canada of the
Lutheran Church entered into an agreement to establish a Lutheran
Seminary. Though the location first proposed for the Seminary was
Toronto, Waterloo was selected when its citizens offered a tract
of land on the boundary of the town. The choice of location was
affected, too, by the fact that the majority of Lutherans in
Ontario lived in the vicinity of Waterloo and Berlin (Kitchener).
In l911 the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary of Canada opened its
doors.

    Facilities for pre-theological education were
established in l914 with courses leading to senior matriculation
given in Waterloo College School.

    In 1924 the Waterloo College of Arts, providing
courses in post-secondary education in a four year program, was
established. In 1925 the Faculty of Arts, under the name of
Waterloo College, affiliated with the University of Western
Ontario. Waterloo College soon began to offer Honours degree
programs in the arts.

    The affiliation with the University of Western
Ontario ended in 1960 when the Seminary obtained a revised
charter changing the name of the institution to Waterloo Lutheran
University.

    On November l, l973, Waterloo Lutheran University
became Wilfrid Laurier University, one of Ontario's provincially
assisted universities, after Bill 178 was given Royal Assent by
the Lieutenant Governor, former Wilfrid Laurier University
Chancellor William Ross Macdonald.

 The University Seal
The University Seal displayed on the left is the customary emblem
used to identify the University. It contains the main elements of
the heraldic Coat of Arms. Easily reproduced it is more vivid in
print.

    Reproducible artwork for the University Seal may be
obtained from the Office of Institutional Relations.

    All of the names, marks, and acronyms of the
University are protected by registration with the College of
Heralds, under the Crown; and under section IX of the Canadian
Copyright Act.

 Heraldic Coat of Arms
In l989 Wilfrid Laurier University received a Grant of Arms from
the Crown through the Canadian College of Heralds.

    The Coat of Arms is composed of several elements.
The shield in the centre is filled with three emblems: three
maple leaves taken from the Coat of Arms of Wilfrid Laurier's
personal arms, representing Canada; an open book of learning; and
a rose of Luther which was dominant in the arms of Waterloo
College and Waterloo Lutheran University, and so commemorates the
Lutheran heritage of the University.

    The crest above the shield is composed of a mantled
helmet, which is topped by a beaver, symbol of industriousness,
holding a lamp of learning.

    Supporting the shield and crest are two does upon a
grassy mound, adorned with three roses of Luther, which is
bordered by the University's motto, Veritas Omnia Vincit Truth
Conquers All.