In March 1972, the council of the (then) Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education
adopted the image of the phoenix as its corporate device. Together with the Latin motto
"Per Studia Mens Nova" which means "Through study the mind is renewed" the
University College's philosophy was born.

The phoenix, a mythical bird, is an ancient symbol of regeneration and immortality.
According to legend it lived for no fewer than 500 years.

At the end of each life cycle the phoenix flew to a secret place where it prepared
a nest of aromatic boughs and spices. Ignited by the heat of the sun and fanned by
its own great wings, flames consumed the phoenix which rose again from its ashes with
renewed youth and beauty, ready to pursue the same never-ending cycle of life and rebirth.

The young phoenix, after rising from the ashes, is said to have carried the remains of
its father to the altar of the sun god in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis. Only one such bird
ever existed at any time.

The long life of the phoenix and its dramatic rebirth from its own ashes have made it
a symbol of spiritual rebirth.

To the University of Southern Queensland the phoenix is symbolic of rejuvenation of life
through knowledge...through study the mind is renewed.