<p>Can anyone tell me or give me a link that explains the significance of the torch/trumpet shield or coat of arms for Emory? thanks in advance</p>
<p>Here are some quick tidbits:</p>
<p>(from Emory Alumni Association):</p>
<p>“The shield is the most important and most visible part of a coat of arms. Depicted on the shield in Emory’s coat of arms, in use since 1978, are a gold crossed torch and trumpet. These two symbols, used together at Emory since 1915, suggest that the primary functions of the University are to discover and proclaim knowledge.”</p>
<p>“Flames in various forms have been part of many Emory emblems since 1857. A torch was portrayed on the first seal used when Emory University was chartered in 1915, and it has remained a part of the University’s insignia since that time. It symbolizes the light of knowledge and represents the role of the University in the discovery of knowledge.”</p>
<p>Also, here’s an interesting article about Emory and their “brand identity” program (article from 2004): <a href=“http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/2004/May/er%20may%2010/5_10_04identity.html[/url]”>http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/2004/May/er%20may%2010/5_10_04identity.html</a></p>
<p>Here’s a link to a PDF-formatted copy of their Visual Brand Guidelines:
<a href=“Emory Brand Tool Kit | Emory University | Atlanta GA”>Emory Brand Tool Kit | Emory University | Atlanta GA;
<p>Apparently, the “new” shield has only been in use since 1978, with former versions since retired.</p>
<p>This is interesting history to delve into … I suppose that given the roots of Emory University as Methodist-based, there may be faith-based symbolic implications, especially for the trumpet. On the other hand, an Emory Mathematics professor (H.H. Stone) is given credit for the first incorporation into the coat of arms in 1890.</p>
<p>From Commencement, 1995: <a href=“http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_MAGAZINE/summer95/commstuffsidebar.html[/url]”>http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_MAGAZINE/summer95/commstuffsidebar.html</a></p>
<p>Also … from an article taken from the Emory Report (Jan. 1997 and originally presented in Nov. 1996) by former Emory Trustee and United Methodist Bishop
Bevel Jones (BA, Emory, 1946): <a href=“http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/1997/January/ERjan.21/1_21_97firstpers.html[/url]”>http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/1997/January/ERjan.21/1_21_97firstpers.html</a></p>
<p>EXCERPT: "In Holy Writ and classical literature, the heart is viewed metaphorically as the center of human personality. When we are plumbing the depths of an issue, we speak of our “heart of hearts.” It is at this level that we live and experience our true selves. Education at Emory involves both heart and head, developing the whole person, acquiring wisdom as well as knowledge. The crest on the seal consists of a torch and a trumpet. We right-brained folk thrill to these images. They are fraught with great inspirational quality. The torch to enlighten, to guide, to lead. The trumpet to celebrate, to signal, to summon-yes, to herald. How better can we convey Emory’s ethos-the </p>
<p>also Emory motto: “The wise heart seeks knowledge.”</p>