If you have gathered this much wisdom, then it probably does not escape you that our school motto is “Urim and Thummim,” which is Hebrew for “Lux et Veritas,” which in turn is just Latin for “Light and Truth.” Emblazoned in the Yale seal, in these two ancient languages, the words convey the most concise and rudimentary ...

Why are Yale alumni called Elis?

Elis is an informal, secondary nickname referencing Elihu Yale, a Welsh merchant for whom Yale College was named in 1718. ... The dog, soon named "Handsome Dan," was led across fields before football and baseball games, according to archives provided by Yale.

Why is Yale's motto light and truth?

In great big Hebrew letters it reads, “Urim v'Thummim.”* And on a proud banner, in Latin: “Lux et Veritas.” Light and truth. ... Thus the original Lux et Veritas represents the light of Christian morals and the ability, through a Yale education, to understand their absolute truth.