Why do colleges have seals anyway?
Not the loveable marine mammal, but the emblem, stamp, or symbol. According to Stanford Libraries, a seal is a device for authenticating a document and providing evidence of its legitimacy. The first university seals date back to 12th-century Europe and the rise of modern universities.
While the use of seals to authenticate legal documents has declined, an official seal continues to convey a sense of authority and authenticity at universities like WMU.
The Story Behind the WMU Seal
Now in its fifth incarnation, the WMU seal was designed by the late John Kemper, a WMU professor emeritus of art, when the institution became a university in 1957.
The five stars symbolize WMU’s five original schools: Applied Arts (Engineering and Applied Sciences), Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies.
The tree symbolizes WMU’s continuing growth. Its roots acknowledge the institution’s firm planting when created by the Michigan Legislature in 1903.
The stone arch signifies a gateway to knowledge and solid growth, but the missing keystone indicates that WMU’s growth is incomplete, as there is much more to accomplish and discover.
The pyramid, which also may indicate the building of knowledge, features a flame at its apex to signify enlightenment—WMU’s true purpose.
Arguably the most noticeable place you’ll spot the WMU seal—or at least a 23-foot-tall representation of it—is inside the turnaround in front of the Sangren Hall pedestrian mall. Known as “The Seal and the Gathering Tree,” this sculpture features two ringed fountains with water cascading into a reflecting pool, landscaping and programmable LED lights that change color.
Visiting The Seal and the Gathering Tree for a selfie or a group pic is pretty common here at WMU, especially to commemorate milestone events like graduation. So, if you’re ever in the neighborhood, stop by and snap a pic of yourself, with your family and friends, or alongside your fellow Broncos!
Enjoy looking back at WMU’s history? Stay tuned to your portal for more Throwback stories.