College Colors
The Providence College colors—black and white—are derived from the characteristic garb of the Dominican Friars, who wear a white tunic or “habit” over which, on certain formal occasions, they wear a black mantle known as the cappa magna or “large cape.” From this combination of apparel came the name “Blackfriars,” a term the English applied to the Dominican Friars as a way to distinguish them from friars of other religious orders.

College Logotype
The logotype, which consists of a graphic mark and a word mark, was designed to reflect the Catholic and Dominican heritage of Providence College. The design of the graphic mark is based on the shape of a window in Harkins Hall. Within this shape is a flame, representing Veritas—orTruth, the College motto. The word mark is the name of the College in a distinctive typeface.

College Motto - Veritas
The motto of Providence College is Veritas, Latin for Truth, which is the proper object of all intellectual activity. The motto is also that of the Dominican Order, which has dedicated itself to truth.
 
College Nickname
The nickname of the Providence College athletic teams is the “Friars.”  A common designation for members of religious orders, the term is derived from the Latin frater and the French frère, both meaning “brother.”

College Seal
The seal of Providence College consists of a torch superimposed on a triangle. Symbolically, the triangle represents the Holy Trinity. Thus, it signifies an education which considers human existence in relation to eternity, which goes beyond the natural order and teaches the student to live according to the higher principles of supernatural grace. The torch, a symbol of learning and leadership, is particularly emblematic of a Dominican institution, since it is part of the design of one of the oldest shields of the Dominican Order.