The Seal

The seal of the University of Dallas is emblematic of the ideals to which the university is dedicated. It is likewise reminiscent of the deposit of faith of the Roman Catholic Church and of the traditions of two teaching communities within the Church.

The decorative outer circle indicates the date the university was chartered and the motto, "Veritatem, Justitiam Diligite." The quotation "Love Ye Truth and Justice," a conflation of Zechariah 8.8 and 8.19, expresses the biblical message that truth and justice are the necessary conditions for peace, prosperity and happiness. This wise instruction has also been discovered by reason and confirmed by history. This founding conviction of the University of Dallas continues to inform all that UD aspires to do.

Enclosed within the blue band which bears the motto, in an octagonal field of green, are several emblems associated with the traditions of the university. The central figure of the triquetra interwoven with the triangle is a double symbol of the Holy Trinity to Whom the university is dedicated. The circle is a symbol of eternity and of the unity of the Godhead.

The fleur-de-lis, at once an ancient symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of France, recalls the direct and indirect French origins of the two teaching orders which cooperated initially with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth in establishing the University of Dallas. The Cistercian Order originated in France in the Eleventh Century; the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur was founded in Belgium in 1819 by a Cistercian Monk.

A crusader’s shield, emblematic of faith, stands within the green field on either side of the central device. The shield on the left contains a star, a traditional emblem of Mary, as well as the chosen emblem of Texas, the Lone Star State. The shield on the right presents the torch of liberty and learning. The branches of live oak and olive trees, taken from the Seal of Texas, make further reference to the State.

The Trinity River, on which the university is located, is represented by the heraldic device of the wavy lines centered beneath the emblem of the Blessed Trinity.

A mosaic of the Seal hangs in the J.M. Haggar, Sr., University Center foyer completed by art alumnus Xavier Zamarripa, was commissioned by the Class of 2002. A new mosaic rendition of the Seal, created by art history alumna Julie Richey, was commissioned by the Class of 2018 and Dr. and Mrs. Brannon Marlowe, hangs in the Cardinal Farrell Hall foyer.