Academic Centre
“Like other universities in the world that pride themselves in long academic traditions, our Alma Mater holds its own heraldically recognized coat of arms. This is a resplendent gift to the university on its 105th anniversary, which, along with the historical insignia and contemporary logo, will carry the name of the University of Latvia across generations and borders,” says Professor Gundars Bērziņš, Rector of the University of Latvia.
The author of the coat of arms is historian and heraldry specialist Edgars Sims. He has authored the coats of arms of several Latvian municipalities, organizations, families, as well as the coat of arms of Sēlija region. In the presentation of the UL coat of arms, he emphasized that heraldic traditions dictate – the coat of arms should be original, simple and clearly perceivable from a distance. Habitually, coats of arms have no text, however, university coats of arms are an exception, and therefore the University’s abbreviation in Latvian language – “LU” has the place of honour in the coat of arms of UL. “The University of Latvia is unique in the world in that it carries the name of the country,” said E. Sims, therefore, symbolizing the unity of the state and the University, three stars are included in the coat of arms, symbolizing the dimension of statehood.
Chair of the UL Council, Professor Mārcis Auziņš, who is one of the authors of the idea of the coat of arms, in the presentation of the coat of arms pointed out that the first UL Constitution declared – the successful development of UL is a guarantee for the growth of Latvia. “The University has a dual mission – to serve the land of our ancestry – Latvia and to be an internationally recognized research university. It is a complex task. The two missions complement each other and often are at odds,” said M. Auziņš, indicating the symbols included in the coat of arms that are significant to both UL and Latvia – an oak as the strength of ancestors, a book as a repository of knowledge and three stars as a pledge of statehood.
Art historian Ramona Umblija, deputy chair of the State Heraldry Commission, called upon the University to assure that the coat of arms becomes an inalienable part in daily endeavours of every UL community member, growing special and significant for everyone. “Together, you should create the legend of the coat of arms, making it gratifying, accessible and treasured by everyone,” said R. Umblija, presenting the confirmation of the official approval of the coat of arms, emitted on 11 November of this year, to the Chair of the UL Council, M. Auziņš.
The coat of arms bears the symbols and colours of UL and Latvia – midnight blue and silver grey, it is decorated with gold, which symbolizes sunlight and the power of knowledge, just like every brick of the historical building of UL. In its centre stands a silver oak tree with 12 branches, which is sung in the UL anthem and represents the strength and endurance of the Latvian people. The oak grows from the base of the shield of the coat of arms, reaching upwards – toward knowledge and the future.
An open book with golden binding and natural white pages is placed above the oak tree, representing knowledge and perfection, endorsing the contribution of UL to the development of Latvia and its standing in higher education. This book also pays tribute to the historical roots of the UL Library, whose origins reach back as early as 1524 with the establishment of BIBLIOTHECA RIGENSIS – one of the oldest European book repositories.
At the top of the coat of arms, above the shield, shine three golden stars – the symbol of the Freedom Monument and the livery collar of the UL rector, which historically forms the unity of UL with the state. At the bottom of the shield, the motto in Latin is highlighted on the ribbon – “Scientiae et Patriae” or “For Science and Fatherland” – a confirmation of the goal of the University of Latvia to serve knowledge and Latvia.
The approved coat of arms (along with the historical insignia and logo of the University of Latvia) is a distinguished gift in the year marking the 105th anniversary of the University of Latvia and awarded during the week celebrating the foundation of Latvian statehood.
On 15 November, the UL coat of arms was presented to the University community at a special celebratory event dedicated to the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. Specimen copies of the coat of arms with the author’s signature were received for safekeeping by the rector, vice-rectors and all those involved in the creation of the coat of arms.
The University of Latvia coat of arms has been created under the auspices of the Recovery and Resilience Facility project “Internal and External Consolidation of the University of Latvia” (No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/007), implemented by the University of Latvia and the BA School of Business and Finance.
 has been established and matured together with the state of Latvia. Both share the language of values and symbols, the common path, which is now reflected in a state-recognized heraldic coat of arms – a symbol of wisdom and trust. From now on, our country and the University of Latvia will have another day of celebration – the University of Latvia Coat of Arms Day – on 11 November, celebrated in consonance with Lāčplēsis Day, when the nation honours those who have fallen in defence of Latvia and its hard-won freedoms. ){kind=link}