OU Motto: Oakland University's motto, "Seguir virtute e canoscenza," is taken from Dante's epic poem, where in his pursuit of knowledge, the seafaring Greek hero Ulysses tells his men to "seek virtue and knowledge."



OU Seal: The Oakland seal is the official emblem of the university. It combines the university motto, "Seguir virtute e canoscenza," with a representation of the sail from the ship of the seafaring Greek hero Ulysses. The OU seal, together with the university logo, represent what Oakland has achieved and what it aspires to become.

View logo guidelines on the University Communications and Marketing website.

OU Mace and President's Medallion: In medieval times, a mace was used in warfare. The mace is one of the oldest traditions in academe dating back to the early 1400’s when it transitioned from warfare to ceremonial use. Considered a symbol of the University itself, the scepter mace is carried by the University marshal during commencement, convocation and other ceremonial events to signify the arrival of the faculty processional. Oakland’s mace, created in 1994, was crafted by jeweler and OU alumnus, Paul Haig and designer Robert Dobbie of P.R. Haig Jewelers in Rochester. 

The 30-inch long, approximately 8-pound mace has a white oak handle trimmed with sterling silver ribbon. A black obsidian disk on top is ringed with silver and is inscribed with the University motto. Obsidian is a natural black glass formed by the earth. On each side of the obsidian disk,there is a 14k yellow gold sail. On the base of the handle, a gold oak tree was modeled after a live tree on campus. The clean, straightforward design of the mace reflects the fact that Oakland University is a contemporary institution. 

The President’s Medallion, also created in 1994 by the same jeweler, is six inches in diameter and reveals the University sail, hangs on a silver chain and is worn by the president at ceremonial events. It is a permanent part of the University’s president’s academic regalia.