Designed by Kei Yamamoto (College '01) the Harnwell College House coat of arms is a unique crest that features a "Tower of the East" in the foreground. The sun is rising behind it, referring to the fact that Harnwell was formerly known as "High Rise East." Here, the sun symbolizes glory, splendor and the fountain of life. The tower is a symbol both of grandeur and safety, the latter being very important to students. The 24 circles around the shield represent the 24 floors of the building. The House motto, "Monstrat Sol Viam" is a variation on a popular motto -- "Monstrant Astra Viam" -- which means "The stars will show us the way." Harnwell's motto translates as "The sun shows us the way."

In 2002, a pun on Harnwell’s motto began to spread with the appointment of the House Dean, Dr. Suhnne Ahn—whose name actually sounds like "Sun On." Other humorous symbols of past and present staff members pervade the college house. Can you find them?