Department of Classics and Letters
OU Seal
The seal of the University of Oklahoma features the Latin motto, "Civi et Reipublicae." Translated into English, it says, "For the Citizen and the State." Our Latin students will be interested to know that it is an example of a grammatical construction known as the dative of advantage. It implies that OU is here for the benefit of both the individual citizen and the state as a whole.

A Latin motto is also featured on the seal of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, which appears on each student's diploma. It says "Vita Abundantior," which translates to "A More Abundant Life"--the promise of higher education.

 Regents' seal
OK State Seal

Finally, the seal of the State of Oklahoma itself features the Latin motto, "Labor vincit omnia." This translates to "Labor conquers all things."

Contrary to what many a Latin student has suggested, it does not mean "Work kills everything."

 

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