Western University has dropped their logo and opted to use a monochrom version of their arms.

new logo:

http://communications.uwo.ca/western_news/stories/2012/January/alumnus_helps_guide_historic_changes.html

http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/western_university_less_pixelated_more_boring.php

orginial grant of arms:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UWO_Coat_of_Arms.png

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atwestern/5954239414/in/set-72157627231223112

I think I actually prefer the new version over the original.  I like the two-color look of it and the maple leaf makes it stand out as a Canadian university.

Western is my alma mater.

<a moment’s pause for a wistful remembrance of school days>

I don’t mind the updated charges terribly, but would have preferred the university petitioned the CHA.  The old/current arms were granted by the College of Arms in 1931 - I’d have hoped a fresh, Canadian grant could have had as much cache as a press release on the school’s rebranding strategy.

Dear Benjamin,

I got the impression from Steven’s first link that the new design is an official Canadian grant.

Regards,

Iain Boyd

I stand corrected, and relieved. I confess I didn’t read Stephen’s link, and a separate communique I received through alumni channels had all the hallmarks of a PR firm (going so far as to discuss the merits of the pantone color chosen) and no mention of the CHA.

I’m embarrassed I didn’t look into it more closely, but I’m pleased to be proved mistaken.