The Dominican University of California Shield

The Dominican University of California shield shows, against a black backdrop, a gold dog with a flaming torch in its mouth.  This symbol had its origin in a dream attributed to the mother of St. Dominic:  that she would bear a child who would set the world on fire with the wonder of his preaching.  The name of the Dominican order in Latin, DOMINICANES, (DOMINI CANES) – means hounds of the Lord.  In 1973, the Firebrand shield became the shield of the University, then Dominican College of San Rafael.  The University’s motto, Veritas fax ardens, means “Truth Is a Flaming Torch.”