Central Michigan University is one of only two Michigan public universities with a crest motto in original Latin, but many students are unaware of its meaning.

CMU's crest motto, "Sapientia, Virtus, Amicitia” translates to mean "wisdom, virtue and friendship" and is designed to serve as a concise mission statement for the university, said Clarke Historical Library Director Frank Boles.

"Reduced to only a few words, the crest shares what values are those which the institution wishes to demonstrate through the behavior of its faculty and staff, and hopefully instill into those who have the opportunity to attend the school," Boles said.

Other major Michigan university mottos are generally similar. University of Michigan's motto reads, "Arts, Knowledge, Truth," and is the only other university which has retained the original Latin.

Michigan State University's motto is "Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Lives," and Wayne State University promotes "Industry, Intelligence, Integrity."

Boles said CMU's choice to use "friendship" is representative of the college experience as a whole, rather than only what is learned in the classroom.

"Including 'friendship' on the crest undoubtedly was meant to remind us that our institutional mission includes sharing and helping others to share lasting interpersonal values that will continue to be important long after many of the facts learned in the classroom are revised or forgotten," Boles said.

Virtue, also known as moral goodness, is included to further encourage the message that college is about more than just gaining an education, said Andrew Blom, assistant professor of Philosophy.

Not only moral goodness, but also the building of character are important values for all CMU students, Blom said.

"I believe that a quality university education is not just about developing the intellect and getting marketable skills, but also about enlarging one's capacities for empathy and engaged citizenship," Blom said. "Cultivating virtue is as much a matter of becoming knowledgeable, critical, judicious and skillful as of becoming kind, courageous and fair."

Western Michigan University does not and has never had a motto on its university seal. WMU Director of University Relations Cheryl Roland said a motto is unnecessary for the purposes of the university.

"Our seal, which is used for formal and ceremonial purposes, has several graphic elements that characterize the university's principles and stature," she said.

Detroit freshman Deonte Rodgers said he believes friendship is the most important value represented by the CMU.

"Once I came to Central, everyone was so friendly and helpful," he said. "With the friendly atmosphere, the transition to the college standard was easier to make, since I felt more comfortable."

Grand Ledge sophomore Lindsey Schiller said she believes the motto's priorities should play a bigger role in the university's public perception.

"CMU is always just seen as a party school," Schiller said. "We should be promoted more for our academics and intelligence, which are really important aspects of the school."

Unlike Rodgers and Schiller, Streamwood freshman Stephen Lokos knew what the crest meant.

"I believe CMU pursues their motto by emphasizing the value of hard work, determination and community," he said.

Boles said he encourages all students and faculty to really reflect on the meaning of the university's motto.

"As aspirational goals, wisdom, virtue and friendship are three values by which any person can live a happy and productive life," he said. "One could certainly do worse than (using) these three values as guide stones"