East Carolina College Seal, 1962
In the spring of 1962 the Board of Trustees approved a new seal for the college. The following information is taken from various sources in the University Archives.
The Daily Reflector, May 19, 1962
New Coat of Arms for ECC
A new coat of arms, to be used for class rings, blazers and other items, was approved by the Board of Trustees of East Carolina College yesterday.
The college now uses a seal similar to a notary seal, Dr. James Tucker, dean of student affairs said, but the coat of arms will be used for class rings, stationary, blazers and such will be the official seal of the college.
A description of the seal is being withheld pending copyright proceedings.
It is hoped that the coat of arms will "establish something which has some tradition" for the college, Dr. Tucker said. It will also make the class ring more symbolic. Design of the coat of arms was coordinated by the Student Government Association.
The Key, 1966/1967
The establishment of an official college seal was a notable event in the spring of 1962. The seal, drawn by members of the Student Government Association (SGA) Ring Committee, was approved for adoption by the East Carolina College Board of Trustees. The need for such a seal was evident in order to establish a concrete symbol emphasizing the college motto, Servire. This seal has been incorporated into the new college ring, also designed by the Ring Committee.The Key, 1966/1967
The official seal of East Carolina is shaped like a six-cornered shield encased in a circular border containing the name, location, and founding date of the college. The shield portion of the seal represents the shape of the Shield of Trust, as was used in the Crusades. The six corners of the shield represent the eventual six major degrees. This shield portion is divided into four designs with the motto, Servire, meaning "To Serve," emblazoned on the scroll.
The blazing torch and the open Book of Knowledge, on which the former reflects light, denote not only the symbols of education, but the service rendered to the students by the college.
The ink pot and quill, symbols of the scribes, represent the creative arts and the contributions of the students to the world of business.
The crusty pirate not only acts as the school mascot, but also serves as a reminder that through athletics students build strong bodies for keen minds and learn the lessons of fair play and competition.
East Carolina is no longer a local college. It has the destiny to produce graduates that will serve to the four corners of the world, made smaller by modern transportation. This idea is expressed in the central motif of the design. A shield within the shield displays Polaris, the guiding star behind the two half globes that make up the world.
