When did Harvard's motto change?

Asked by: Miss Antonia Balistreri  |  Last update: November 10, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (25 votes)

The word briefly lived on in the Harvard seal from 1843 to 1847, when it was booted off in favor of Christo et Ecclesiae, or “For Christ in the Church.” In time, Veritas would become the one word most closely associated with Harvard.

Why did Harvard change its motto?

Harvard University's motto used to be, Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, “Truth for Christ and the Church.” But due to the influence of the Unitarians in the late nineteenth century, the phrase Christo et Ecclesiae was dropped from the school crest and for well over a century the ivy league school has functioned under the ...

What was the original motto of Harvard University?

The official seal of the Harvard Corporation. Found on Harvard diplomas, it carries the university's original motto, Christo et Ecclesiae ("For Christ and Church"), later changed to Veritas ("Truth").

What is Harvard College's motto?

Shield. Each of Harvard's graduate schools boasts unique shields that incorporate the College's original arms: a shield with the Latin motto “VERITAS” (“Verity” or “Truth”) on three books.

What is Harvard's truth motto?

Harvard's motto is veritas, or truth. A university that prides itself on the noble pursuit of ethical academics, it seeks to reflect integrity in all its facets.

James Ryan on choosing HGSE’s motto, “Learn to Change the World”

26 related questions found

What was Harvard's old slogan?

Veritas, which is Latin for “truth,” was adopted as Harvard's motto in 1643, but did not see the light of day for almost two centuries. Instead, in 1650, the Harvard Corporation chose In Christi Gloriam, a Latin phrase meaning “For the glory of Christ.”

Is Veritas in the Bible?

The inscription, Cognoscetis Veritatem et Veritas Liberabit Vos, is a verse from the Bible, John 8:32, in Latin. It translates to "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

What is Harvard HBS motto?

Make a Difference

What was Harvard originally called?

1639: In recognition of John Harvard's bequest, the Great and General Court orders “that the colledge agreed upon formerly to bee built at Cambridg shalbee called Harvard Colledge.”

What do Harvard students call themselves?

The most common term for a Harvard student is “Harvardian” or “'Vardian.” You will (as others have already said) also hear us referred to as “Cantabs,” after the Latin word for the city where Harvard is located, Cambridge (“Cantabrigia”), Mass.

Was Harvard originally religious?

Harvard was founded by an act of the Massachusetts General Court to train and educate clergy for service in the new, English-speaking world. As a result, religion played a large role in life at Harvard throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

What was the old mascot of Harvard?

In the early days of college mascots, student organizations often unofficially choose a creature or character to represent their group spirit. At Harvard, that particular honor went to the pilgrim John Harvard.

What was Harvard's original motto in 1636?

The early motto of Harvard was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, meaning "Truth for Christ and the Church". In the early classes, half the graduates became ministers, which diminished to 15% by the 1760s, and ten of Harvard's first twelve presidents were ministers.

What is the difference between Harvard and Harvard Kennedy?

Harvard University is an Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is one of Harvard's graduate and professional schools, which offers degrees in public policy and public administration.

What does the Harvard motto mean?

"Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae”

Translated literally, these words mean, “Truth for Christ and the Church.” Rightfully so, this motto remains true to this day, with students and faculty constantly searching for truth and honesty through their studies and daily experiences.

What is the hardest university to get into?

Harvard University

The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.

Is Harvard or Oxford more prestigious?

Oxford and Harvard are both prestigious institutions, frequently appearing at the top of global university rankings. Here is a comparison based on recent rankings. QS World University Rankings 2025: Oxford is ranked 3rd, while Harvard is ranked 4th.

How much does a Harvard MBA cost?

Harvard MBA tuition is $76,410 per year for the 2022-2023 academic year. Total annual costs, including living expenses, can exceed $110,000. Harvard offers various financial aid options, including scholarships and loans. The average Harvard MBA graduate earns $175,000 post-graduation.

What is the Harvard motto for truth?

On Sept. 8, 1836, at Harvard's Bicentennial celebration, it was announced that President Josiah Quincy had found the first rough sketch of the College arms—a shield with the Latin motto “VERITAS” (“Verity” or “Truth”) on three books—while researching his History of Harvard University in the College Archives.

What is the name of God from the Bible?

The Old Testament/Hebrew Bible reveals YHWH (often vocalized with vowels as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah") as the personal name of God, along with certain titles including El Elyon and El Shaddai.

What does Vox Veritas mean?

• 1985 LATIN MOTTO REVISED Chancellor Ann Reynolds recommended and received approval from the CSU Board of Trustees for the Latin motto to be revised from “Vir Veritas Vox” (“man truth voice”) to “Vox Veritas Vita” (“voice truth life”).

Do Catholics use a Latin Bible?

The Catholic Church affirmed the Vulgate as its official Latin Bible at the Council of Trent (1545–1563), though there was no authoritative edition of the book at that time.