Everywhere
we look there are signs of what makes our University distinctive and wonderful.
And, these reminders need not be grand. For as long as I can
remember, my life has been dotted with OU memorabilia that has included our
special university seal, one that is unique in comparison to those of other
colleges and universities, I would argue.
In
perusing the seals of American universities, one can see that they vary
enormously and provide insights into the "stories" of their schools.
For some of America’s oldest and most distinguished universities, while
now secular in orientation, the seal will contain Biblical scenes or passages,
hearkening back to their religious roots. Columbia University,
established as King’s College before the American Revolution, has a richly
ornate seal which includes a call for learning through an other-worldly illustration
and accompanying Biblical passage (1 Peter 2: 1-2). Other schools depict some part of their historical development:
the University of Chicago’s seal showcases a phoenix rising from the
ashes, a reminder of the great Chicago fire of 1871, which literally
closed the school for several years. Eventually, of course, the University was re-opened through the dedication of the university community.
Or, Southern Methodist University’s seal draws attention to Dallas Hall, which sits at the heart of the campus. Finally, general symbols of learning are
sometimes on display—the "Lamp of Knowledge" is embraced by the
University of Michigan, as well as our own state rival Oklahoma State
University.
Here's what our seal has to say about the OU story, I
think: When you look you'll first note the motto, Civi et reipublicae translated from Latin, “For the
Citizen and for the State.” The University’s birth, in 1890, was in
tandem with Oklahoma’s preparation for statehood (1907), squarely during the
Progressive era. While OU historians like the late Danney Goble could offer up
rich explanations about the impact of the Progressive movement on Oklahoma's
government structures and political culture, it is fair to say that the
prevailing social disposition of the time favored the individual over large
social institutions, including big business. Our University, for the
students of Oklahoma--men and women--was
to serve it's larger purpose, as America's forty-sixth state.
One can
see the embrace of time-honored Populism in Oklahoma and the
university in the illustration, too. There is a humble sketch of the
common man, walking the open field, with a sack of seeds strapped across his
chest. Behind him he generously sows the seeds that will bear fruit for
the harvest in the future. And, this is what we do at the University of
Oklahoma. The seeds of learning are lovingly planted by our faculty,
staff, and all those who mentor and support our students. They are tended
over the course of each student’s academic program, with an elaborate root
system developing as the years pass. Planted in this rich soil, the seeds
of learning will yield delicious fruits—and isn’t that really the first principle
of education? A vibrant academy supports a plentiful harvest not only for
the graduates and their families, but also for the whole of our Great State.
Every Oklahoman, in some small measure is benefited by the continuing
education of students at OU. The Founders of our Great State knew that, and
the same is true today.
