University Heraldry

Banners of Fordham University

A set of academic banners depicting the distinguishing characteristics and proud history of each of the Schools, Colleges, and other major constituent groups of the University was commissioned for Commencement 2004. The name of each of these groups (rendered in Latin) encircles the central shield, while the founding date of each is marked across the buckle at the seal’s base. Crowning each banner illustration are the Greek letters of the name of Jesus, taken from the coat of arms of the Society of Jesus.

In 2016, the class banners were commissioned. The Class of 2023 banner is being carried by Class Marshals who will lead the candidates for degrees.

All the individual banner illustrations relate visually to the composition of the Great Seal of Fordham University (shown above).

Class of 2023

The Class of 2023 is represented by the graduating class year (’23) at the center of the seal. The Class Marshals from Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Fordham College at Rose Hill, the Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies, and the Gabelli School of Business enter with the Class of 2023 banner and lead the procession of Colleges and Schools. 

Fordham College at Rose Hill

Fordham College at Rose Hill is represented by the triumphant or risen lamb of God, the Tudor Rose—representing Rose Hill Manor, the property from which Fordham University grew— and the scallop shell representing St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the University. 

Gabelli School of Business

The Gabelli School of Business is represented by the globe, scroll, and book, showing business education, an education that embraces a global perspective and an international marketplace.

Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies

Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies is represented by the cauldron and wolves from the central portion of the family shield of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, who—like the students of this School—was an adult learner. St. Ignatius’ ancient and distinguished family name “Loyola” is a contraction of the Spanish words Lobos y Olla: wolves and pot.

Fordham College at Lincoln Center

Fordham College at Lincoln Center is represented by the central portion of the seal of the City of New York—a windmill, symbolizing New Amsterdam, the original Dutch colonial name for the city. In turn, it frames beavers, symbolic of trade, and casks, the symbols for the commerce pursued by New York City’s founders. 

Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education

Fordham’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education is represented by an open book displaying Alpha and Omega, the Greek letters symbolizing Jesus as the beginning and the end of all things. Arising from behind the volume is a cross and its radii of light.

Graduate School of Education

Fordham’s Graduate School of Education is represented by the torch of knowledge and the book of learning, as well as the laurel wreath, representing poetics. These symbols are also found on the seals of many schools, colleges, and universities. 

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Fordham’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is represented by the owl of Pallas Athene, the goddess of wisdom and rational inquiry. The ancient classical traditions and the modern humanities and sciences join together in the curricular offerings of the arts and sciences. Pallas Athene’s name is spelled out in Greek letters. 

School of Law

The School of Law is symbolized by the scales of justice, a heraldic device that bears witness to the central work of the School: scholarly study and professional practice of jurisprudence and legal affairs.

Graduate School of Social Service

Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service is represented by the symbols for the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. The cross represents Christian faith; the anchor represents last to leave Pandora’s box when all other blessings within had disappeared; the heart represents charity. 

Alumni of Fordham University

The alumni of Fordham University are represented by the Fordham Ram, which the University adopted as its mascot in 1893. This historic version of the ram’s head, cast in bronze, appears in repoussé on the antique iron doors of Dealy Hall on the Rose Hill campus. 

Faculty Senate of Fordham University

The Faculty Senate of Fordham University is represented by the book of learning and the Fordham University mace. The image of the mace signifies the leadership of the Faculty Senate in the academic governance of the University. The President of the Faculty Senate bears the University mace at each University convocation.

Faculties of Instruction of Fordham University

The Faculties of Instruction of Fordham University are represented by the book of knowledge and the lamp of learning, which recall the motto of the University: Sapientia et Doctrina (Wisdom and Learning).

Administration of Fordham University

The administration of Fordham University is represented by elements found on the coat of arms of New York’s first archbishop, John Hughes, founder of Fordham University. The crossed keys represent St. Peter, and the mitre signals the rank of John Hughes as bishop.

Board of Trustees of Fordham University

The Board of Trustees of Fordham University is represented by the Great Seal of Fordham University, and the date of incorporation of St. John’s College, the University’s original name.