Brown Motto: What It Means and Why It Matters

Brown University’s motto, “In Deo Speramus” (“In God We Hope”), represents the university’s deep-rooted dedication to its values, history, and mission. While it has sparked conversations about its place in today’s diverse academic landscape, the Brown motto continues to stand as a symbol of Brown’s focus on hope, learning, and progress.

For anyone thinking about applying to Brown or wanting to get a feel for its culture, diving into the history of Brown University’s motto and its meaning is a great way to start.

• What Is Brown University’s Motto?
• History of Brown’s Motto
• How Brown Lives Up to Its Motto
• How to Reflect Brown’s Motto in Your Application
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Brown University’s Motto?

Brown University’s motto, “In Deo Speramus” (“In God We Hope”), has been a part of the University’s identity since 1834, when it was introduced alongside a new seal under President Francis Wayland. 

This redesign came nearly 30 years after the institution changed its name from Rhode Island College to Brown University, and the motto was chosen to reflect the values of the time. The seal itself features a red cross, symbolizing learning and enlightenment, and a rising sun crest, representing the light of knowledge breaking through ignorance. Together with the motto, it conveyed a sense of faith and hope as guiding principles.

While the motto’s origins are rooted in a religious context—common for academic institutions in the 19th century—Brown motto’s meaning has grown over time. Today, “In Deo Speramus” is often interpreted more broadly as a symbol of optimism, resilience, and trust in the power of education and discovery. It’s less about a specific faith and more about the shared hope that drives the Brown community to tackle challenges and make a difference in the world.

This sense of hope is woven into Brown’s mission. The University’s commitment to free inquiry, inclusivity, and advancing knowledge to serve society is perfectly in step with the spirit of the Brown motto. It’s a reminder that education isn’t just about learning facts but also about believing in the potential for progress and working together to create meaningful change.

Over the years, “In Deo Speramus” has become a reflection of the values and aspirations that define Brown.

History of Brown’s Motto

Brown University’s motto, “In Deo Speramus” (“In God We Hope”), has a fascinating history that reflects the evolution of the institution’s identity and values. Introduced in 1834, the motto is part of the University’s current seal, symbolizing hope, enlightenment, and the pursuit of knowledge. But the story of Brown’s motto and seal goes back much further, with each version capturing the spirit of its time and the University’s growth.

Here is the timeline of Brown’s seals and the motto attached to each over the years:

First college seal, 1765

Back in 1765, Brown’s very first seal featured the motto “Amor et deliciae humani generis” (“Love and delight of the human race”) alongside busts of King George III and Queen Charlotte. This design reflected the university’s colonial roots and loyalty to the British monarchy.

However, after the American Revolution, the seal’s connection to the monarchy no longer aligned with the ideals of the new republic, leading to a redesign.

Second college seal, 1784

In 1784, the second seal was introduced, featuring a temple with five columns representing the seven liberal arts and the motto “Patet Omnibus” (“Is open to all”). This new design emphasized inclusivity and the values of the young American republic, replacing the colonial imagery with symbols of education and openness.

It also reflected Brown’s groundbreaking commitment to admitting students regardless of their religious affiliation. By 1834, though, the University had changed its name to Brown University, and the seal needed an update to reflect its new identity.

Third college seal, 1834

The third and current seal was adopted in 1834 under President Francis Wayland. This design introduced a red cross symbolizing learning, four open books representing knowledge, and a rising sun crest symbolizing enlightenment. The motto “In Deo Speramus” (“In God We Hope”) was added, marking a shift toward Christian imagery that reflected the religious influences of the time.

The updated seal was designed to align with the University’s new name and to symbolize its mission of education, hope, and progress.

Interestingly, the U.S. motto “In God We Trust,” which appears on coins, is believed to have been inspired by Brown’s motto, “In Deo Speramus.” This connection likely stems from Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, who had ties to Rhode Island through his daughter’s marriage to Governor William Sprague.

The meaning of Brown’s motto today

Today, Brown’s motto “In Deo Speramus” is often seen as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge—values that resonate deeply with Brown’s mission. It reflects the university’s dedication to building a collaborative community where students and faculty come together to tackle complex challenges and work toward a brighter future.

That said, the motto hasn’t been without its critiques. Some feel it doesn’t fully align with Brown’s contemporary values of diversity and inclusion, especially given that nearly half of the student body identifies as non-religious or follows non-monotheistic faiths.

This has led to discussions about adopting a more inclusive motto, such as “Speramus” (“We Hope”), to better reflect the University’s commitment to representing and embracing all members of its community.

How Brown Lives Up to Its Motto

Brown University’s motto, “In Deo Speramus” (“In God We Hope”), is often seen today as a symbol of optimism, resilience, and trust in the power of education and discovery. These values are at the heart of everything Brown does, shaping its culture, initiatives, and impact.

Here’s how the University brings these ideals to life:

1. Hope and optimism

Brown’s Open Curriculum is a perfect example of the University’s optimistic belief in its students. By giving them the freedom to design their own academic paths, Brown encourages intellectual curiosity and creativity, trusting that students will explore their passions and make meaningful contributions to the world.

This sense of hope is also reflected in Brown’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), launched in 2016, which emphasizes creating a welcoming environment for all students, no matter their identities or beliefs. It’s a commitment to inclusivity that aligns beautifully with the broader interpretation of the motto as a symbol of shared hope and purpose.

2. Resilience

Brown’s history is a testament to its resilience—its ability to adapt, grow, and thrive in the face of challenges. From its founding commitment to religious freedom and inclusivity to its leadership in tackling today’s global issues, Brown has consistently shown its strength and determination.

The University’s financial aid initiative, The Brown Promise, which replaces loans with scholarships, is a shining example of this resilience, ensuring that education remains accessible and equitable for all students, even during tough economic times.

Brown’s dedication to diversity and inclusion also highlights its resilience, as the university continues to foster a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone. Its partnerships with local communities further reflect this spirit, as Brown works hand-in-hand with Providence and Rhode Island to address challenges and build a stronger, more united society.

3. Power of education and discovery

At its core, Brown is built on the belief that education and discovery can transform lives and create a better world. This trust is evident in the University’s focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation.

From breakthroughs in biomedical engineering to leadership in climate change research, Brown’s contributions to global knowledge show its unwavering faith in the power of education to drive progress.

Brown’s community engagement efforts, such as improving public health and supporting local schools, also highlight its belief in the transformative power of knowledge. These initiatives show how Brown uses education and discovery not just to advance knowledge, but to uplift communities and address real-world challenges.

How to Reflect Brown’s Motto in Your Application

Brown’s motto, “In Deo Speramus” (“In God We Hope”), is all about optimism, resilience, and trust in the power of education and discovery. By showing how your experiences align with these values, you can create an application that truly resonates with Brown’s mission. Here’s how:

1. Share stories of growth and inclusion in your essays.

Use your essays to highlight moments where you’ve shown resilience, hope, or a commitment to inclusivity. For example, you could write about overcoming a challenge, leading a project that brought people together, or creating a space for open dialogue on important issues.

Brown’s Community Dialogue Project (CDP) is a great example of how the university values understanding and collaboration. If you’ve worked on initiatives that promote empathy, inclusivity, or meaningful conversations this is the perfect place to share those experiences.

Brown values students who are curious, inclusive, and ready to engage with complex issues. Sharing these stories shows you’re ready to contribute to Brown’s culture of open inquiry and collaboration.

If you want to ensure your essay fully captures these qualities, consider having it professionally reviewed and edited to make your message as compelling as possible.

2. Show your passion for learning and making a difference.

Highlight activities that reflect your curiosity and drive to create change. Whether it’s volunteering, research, or leadership roles, focus on how your efforts align with Brown’s mission to serve the community and the world.

Take a look at this list of activities favored by Brown, based on the 2023 Enrolled Student Survey:

• Academic clubs, honor societies, or professional associations (40%)
• Cultural/ethnic organizations (31%)
• Student publications (26%)
• Club sports (23%)
• Music/theater group (22%)
• Intramural athletics (17%)
• Religious/spiritual group (15%)
• Political group (11%)
• Intercollegiate athletics (NCAA) (10%)
• Student government (3%)

You can also draw inspiration from Brown’s diversity and inclusion initiative, which emphasizes the importance of bringing together different voices and ideas. If you’ve led efforts to promote inclusivity or collaboration—like organizing a panel discussion or mentoring underrepresented peers—this is a great way to show how you align with Brown’s values.

3. Highlight collaboration and inclusivity in your recommendation letters.

Ask your recommenders to focus on qualities that reflect Brown’s values, like your ability to work with others, inspire hope, or embrace diverse perspectives. For example, they could share how you brought classmates together for a group project or led a team with empathy and understanding.

By aligning your application with these values—through your essays, activities, and recommendations—you’re showing that you’re ready to be part of Brown’s vibrant, inclusive community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Brown University’s motto, “In Deo Speramus,” mean?

The motto translates to “In God We Hope” and reflects Brown’s commitment to hope, resilience, and the transformative power of education.

2. When was the motto “In Deo Speramus” introduced?

The motto was introduced in 1834 as part of Brown’s third and current seal under President Francis Wayland.

3. Does the Brown motto have religious significance today?

While Brown’s motto has religious origins, today it is broadly interpreted as a symbol of optimism, resilience, and trust in education and discovery, aligning with Brown’s inclusive values.

4. How does Brown embody the spirit of its motto?

Brown lives up to its motto through initiatives like the Open Curriculum, the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and The Brown Promise, all of which reflect hope, inclusivity, and progress.

5. How can I reflect Brown’s motto in my application?

Share stories of resilience, inclusivity, and intellectual curiosity in your essays, highlight activities that show your passion for making a difference, and ask recommenders to emphasize your collaborative and inclusive qualities.

Takeaways

• Brown’s motto, “In Deo Speramus,” is a cornerstone of its identity, symbolizing hope, learning, and progress.
• Brown motto’s meaning has evolved from its religious roots to represent broader ideals of optimism, resilience, and trust in education.
• Brown embodies its motto through initiatives like the Open Curriculum, financial aid reforms, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Understanding and aligning with the values behind Brown’s motto can help applicants connect with Brown’s mission and culture.
• Dreaming of joining the Brown University community? Work with a college admissions consultant to craft your story and showcase how you align with Brown’s values of hope, inclusivity, and progress.