Location: De Pere, Wisconsin, United States
Dates: 1898-Present
Type of community/institution: College; post-secondary education
Coat of Arms: Or escarbuncle superimposed upon a barry of six argent and vert.
- This pattern of scepters upon a barry of six are the same design as Berne Abbey, the mother abbey of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere and of Abbot Bernard Pennings, the founder of St. Norbert College. The color scheme of the barry has been altered from the orginal of Berne Abbey.
- The stated reason for the change in color scheme is a return to the traditional medieval practice whereby the second son of a noble family often changed the color of the family coat of arms to differentiate himself from the eldest son. If Berne Abbey could be considered the “first son” of Lord Fulco (original benefactor of Berne Abbey), then St. Norbert Colledge could be considered the “second son”
- The white and Dartmouth Green color scheme were suggested by two early faculty members of the college who were impressed by Dartmouth College. The gold color of the scepters is maintained from the Berne Abbey coat of arms.
- External Ornaments
- Left side: Oak Leaves — represent the sturdiness of medieval life
- Ride side: Laural Leaves — represent honor and glory
- Bottom: Motto — “Ad Omne Opus Bonum Parate” (“Prepared for Every Good Work”) — is the motto of the Norbertine Order
- Alternative Motto:1898 — year of the founding of the college
This coat of arms is the original crest of St. Norbert College. However, starting in 2006, it became reserved exclusively for Presidential communications. A new coat of arms is now used for the college:
This coat of arms was was developed for the 1998/99 academic year as an icon to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the college. It was then turned into a logo to replace the original coat of arms. Today it is St. Norbert College’s coat of arms and is used for general college functions.
Online resources:
Contributors: Dr. Michael Holstead, St. Norbert College
Last Edited: October 14, 2024