Brombastic New Year to all GW-ers! I know it is a bit late and my excuse is that this is my first post this year.

Does not the centerpiece of this university seal look like a stylized pineapple, does it?

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However, further reading revealed that this is actually a thistle referring to the funderÂs Scottish heritage.

My imagination was not too far off because pineapple is a traditional American symbol of hospitality. As you all know, during colonial times, ships brought back tropical fruits from exotic locations. As a sign of their safe return and to welcome guests, sailors placed a pineapple on their gates. Pineapple was and still is considered as a symbol of welcome or friendship. The idea, a university welcoming students would have made sense.