A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 16 February 1911

16 February 1911: On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the Transvaal University College coat of arms was officially approved.

Old Arts TUC lead glass work © UP Archives

In 1910 the coat of arms of the Transvaal University College (TUC) was designed by a Miss Etheridge from Bloemfontein at the request of the Student Representative Council (SRC). Although it was already in use from August 1910, it was only approved by the Council of the College as the official coat of arms on 16 February 1911. According to the SRC this coat of arms represented the feelings and tradition of the TUC. In the design not much attention was given to rules of heraldry. The coat of arms consisted of two shields, one with Pallas Athena and the other with an ox wagon. A book with an anchor formed the headpiece. The motto of the College was "Vocamur in Imperium", roughly translated as "We are called to reign".  The colors of the College was chocolate and gold, dubbed "mud and mustard" by the students.

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