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The Australian National University

Ursula Hall crest

Ursula Hall crest Green and white are the traditional colours of Ursuline educational centres. They are the colours all Ursies representatives wear when competing in any activity for the Hall. Our badge has on it the laurel tree - a traditional association with Saint Ursula. In Ancient Greece the victor in the Pythian games was given a wreath of laurel leaves. The ancients believed that the laurel communicated the spirit of prophecy and poetry. They had the custom of putting laurel leaves under their pillows at night to acquire inspiration! Our hope at Ursula Hall is that people will be both energised in the task of prophecy, in order to critique society, and reflective in the task of poetry and artistry in order to find new, creative expressions for our society.

In contrast to the earthiness of the laurel tree, we also have the Southern Cross constellation. In the northern hemisphere you can see the Ursa Minor, or "Little Bear", constellation. This is the origin of the Bear as our mascot. The Ursa Minor constellation is the pointer to the Polar star. In our part of the world, the Southern Cross guides us at night. Stars communicate an expansion of vision and of mind - an all-embracing welcome to all who gaze upon them. Ursula Hall is a centre where visions can be created and encouraged, where diversity is accepted as a gift.

Finally, we have the motto - "The Truth shall set you free". In an academic environment such as Ursula Hall we are called to be seekers of truth, open to the truth of another, willing to dialogue with others and to have our worldviews challenged, reformulated and reignited with life.

Updated:  19 December 2011/Responsible Officer:  Head of Hall /Page Contact:  Ursula Hall Management