Most Florida State students are familiar with these three terms as they are the motto of our university. Some might even be familiar with the terms ever since they were high school seniors drafting their application letter in the hopes of receiving their acceptance into Florida State University. These three latin phrases are the guiding philosophy behind the University and have been inscribed on the seal since 1851.
William G. Dodd drafted the design of the seal itself. Three torches are presented with the words Vires, Artes, and Mores. The torches on the seal symbolize the fire that was given to man by the Greek god Prometheus. The fire enabled man to elevate himself above the animals and become human. The three torches symbolize the purpose of the University and how knowledge will be passed on from generation to generation.
Vires symbolizes strength of all kinds: physical, moral, and intellectual. Vires also symbolizes the academic and athletic prowess that Florida State has represented since 1851.
Artes symbolizes the knowledge that we acquire, which transcends skills and embraces the appreciation of beauty. Artes represents aesthetic beauty and how that beauty can be turned into something inspirational.
Mores builds on character and traditions. Mores represents the binding moral character that links every trait to some level of responsibility and mindfulness.
Most people do not know that the first seal that represented FSU was one that displayed an owl. This owl first stood on FSU’s campus from 1851 to 1901 and represented wisdom, being the primary ideal to be upheld by a co-ed institution. This seal was designed to represent the West Florida Seminary, the first school on campus. The next seal from 1901 to 1905 represented the Florida State College, which still featured the owl but added a torch on both sides, which represented the university’s role as an illuminator of knowledge.
From 1905 to 1947, the school was renamed to Florida State College of Women and the seal dropped the owl and showed three torches instead. The Latin phrases were also added to show how the school would prepare female students physically, mentally, and morally. From 1947 onwards, the seal is essentially the same as the Florida State College for Women, except with altered meanings and a few minor tweaks. Collectively, the torches represent how students will pass on the knowledge and traditions of the university to further generations.
The monument of the torches was developed as a gift from the senior class of 2000. The senior class elected a Florida State University Master Craftsmen department, which constructed the project of the seal as well as other monuments on Florida State’s campus.
In light of the new changes at Florida State, the seal was streamlined in 2009 for a more elegant look and feel. The outer ring of the seal was reduced in weight to create a softer-edge transition and the letterforms have been updated as well to reflect the updated garnet and gold colors of the seal.
