These are the arms of the University of Western Ontario. They were granted in 1931 by the College of Arms in London (England, not Ontario). It consists of a shield divided per saltire, with the purple sections bearing a book and a stag, and the white parts bearing blue circles charged with lions. In the chief is a setting (or "westering" sun), indicating the name of the institution and academic brilliance. The crest is a book upon a bundle of maple leaves (signifying, of course, a Canadian university), and the supporters are a moose and a lynx, both native creatures of the area. The motto reads, "Truth and Usefulness".
There is a much better description (though a much poorer picture) of the arms here.
The official website (link above) claims that the arms are inspired by the arms of the Diocese of Huron, which founded the school. However, according to The Diocese's website, the arms of the Diocese (shown below) are nothing like the arms of the university.
Back to the Mad Alchemist's Heraldry
Back to the Lair of the Mad Alchemist
© The Mad Alchemist 1999 - 2001