On November 7, TMU raised a newly designed university flag and symbol of pride and purpose in the Kerr Hall quad.
The flag raising celebrates TMU's recent achievements, including the launch of an innovative School of Medicine centred on health care access and social accountability, a dynamic young law school already shaping the legal landscape and success stories from programs across campus.
A fresh take on a 1972 classic
The new flag honours the original design created in 1972, while giving it a modern update that reflects how TMU has grown and changed over five decades.
Original university flag flying on a flag post in the quad of Howard Kerr Hall sometime in the early 70's. Courtesy of TMU Library and Archives, early 1970's.
Deciphering the symbols
The lamp of learning
Proving light in the darkness, the lamp of learning symbolizes intelligence and enlightenment. It represents the flame of inspiration fueling discovery and creation. This symbol embodies the pursuit of knowledge and the realization of human potential.
The square (inverted isosceles triangle)
The square represents artifact, construction and building or creation. It is the symbol of the practical and material expression of human ingenuity. It highlights the university's focus on the application of knowledge, skills and experiential learning in the real-world context.
Colours
The symbolism of colours:
- Azure (blue): loyalty and truth
- (original flag) Gold (yellow): generosity and elevation of mind
TMU raises the university flag with a bold new look.
From then to now
The original university flag, created in 1972, is white, blue and gold with an image of the previous crest that shows the lamp of learning in gold and triangle in blue.
Special thanks to Toronto Metropolitan University Library and Archives for historical images and research support.
