Bryant Symbols 2023-2024 Edition

The Archway

The Archway is a University landmark that moved with Bryant from its former campus on the East Side of Providence to the Smithfield campus, which opened in 1971.  Fondly remembered by thousands of alumni, the iconic wrought iron gate is located on the path between the Unistructure and the Michael E. '67 and Karen L. Fisher Student Center. The original college seal remains intact within the Archway. It bears Bryant College's original Latin motto: Educando Dirigere Mercaturam - Education for Business Leadership.  

The Bryant Medallion

The Bryant Medallion is worn by the University president during academic ceremonies such as Commencement, Convocation, and the bestowing of honorary degrees. One side of the medallion bears a likeness of the University seal, the other, the names of all Bryant presidents. The formal installation of a president is marked by the presentation of the medallion to the president by the chair of the Board of Trustees.

The Bryant Seal

The Bryant Seal represents the educational mission of the University and its worldwide implications. The seal recognizes the achievements of the faculty in their pursuit of educational excellence. The central symbol is an ellipsoid globe with quills on each side to signify the traditional emblem of communication in business. In the center, behind the globe, is a torch symbolizing liberty, the spirit of free inquiry, academic freedom, and learning. The Archway, forming the background for the globe, torch, and quills, is a University landmark affectionately remembered by thousands of alumni. The Latin motto expresses the purpose of the University: Cognitio Virtus Successus – “Knowledge. Character. Success.”

The Harriet E. Jacobs Memorial Mace

Carried at Commencement and other University celebrations, the University Mace is crowned in gold and bears two dominant emblems: the seal of the State of Rhode Island and the seal of Bryant University. The mace was donated by Bryant's third president, E. Gardner Jacobs and his sister, Mrs. Dorothy J. Lederer, in memory of their mother, Harriet E. Jacobs.

The President's Chair

The President's Chair, a gift to the University from Priscilla Angelo and her husband, John Eng-Wong, is used at ceremonial occasions. It is a Victorian-style gentleman's chair rendered in walnut and copied from an original French design from the period of Bryant's founding in 1863. The carved crest top includes the Bryant University bronze seal.