It traces its roots back to a copper crown that once surmounted Columbia's first building, and since the early 20th century, it has become a frequent design motif on campus and closely tied to the university's identity.

The seal was described in its adoption as follows: The College is represented by a Lady sitting in a Throne or Chair of State, with Severall Children at her Knees to represent the Pupils, with I Peter II., 1, 2, &c., under them to express the Temper with which they should apply Themselves to seek for True Wisdom... One of the [New-born Babes] She takes by the hand with her left hand expressing her benevolent design of Conducting them to true Wisdom and Virtue.

Out of her Mouth over her left Shoulder goes a Label with these words in Hebrew Letters ori-el [אוּרִיאֵל], God is my light; alluding to Ps.

The depiction of the seal on the back of Alma Mater is supported by two infants holding torches, and has a King's Crown as a crest.

It may have served as an inspiration for the seal of Northwestern University, in its use of an open book with Greek text on it to signify the spread of knowledge.

[11]The motto underneath, Lux in Tenebris Lucet, meaning "The light that shines in the darkness", was taken from John 1:5, and reflected the fact that General Studies students attended classes during the night at the time of its adoption.

[12] The King's Crown is one of the most enduring symbols of Columbia, and a product of the university original relationship with the British monarchy.

The symbol itself was derived from the copper crown that once sat atop the cupola of College Hall, the main building of the university's Park Place campus, which was built in 1760.

The crown currently resides in the Trustees' Room of Low Memorial Library, along with the cornerstone of College Hall.

[13][14] Though the King's Crown has been used as a symbol of Columbia in some capacity throughout most of the university's history, it was only popularized and made official at the turn of the 20th century.

[15] Alma Mater was quickly followed by the donation of the Class of 1881 Flagpole in 1906, which has a crown-shaped finial, and by 1912, the university had adopted its current flag, which consists of a white crown on a blue field.