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What Does Pro Christo et Patria Mean?

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The College

On every Geneva graduate’s diploma, the seal of our College is stamped. This seal represents the beliefs our institution has held since Geneva College was founded in 1848: the Holy Bible, our founding year, and four Latin words: Pro Christo et Patria. 

Many have read this phrase, but few truly understand its rich meaning. This motto — our motto — was chosen by individuals who had a vision for Geneva, one that emphasized the importance of not just an education but a Christian education. Pro Christo et Patria was and continues to be the foundation of Geneva College’s missional identity for every faculty member, employee, and student who becomes a Golden Tornado. 

So, what does Pro Christo et Patria mean? 

Pro Patria: For Country 

Geneva’s motto sets our mission for both Christ and for country. The second half, et patria, positions us having a sense of pride and commitment to our country. 

What does it mean for an institution to be “for country”? It means striving to make a positive impact on our nation while keeping Christ at the center of it all. And as a college, it means even more: living a life contrary to individualism. In our modern society, we are told to put ourselves first. We see the effects of this worldview all over our nation, each person caring more for their own needs than those of others. Yet Christ calls us to do quite the opposite, to lay our lives down for our neighbor (Jn. 15:13) and to carry each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). 

To be in service to one’s community is to be involved in the nation. An institution must set a vision for each of its faculty members, employees, and students to pursue a life of service to others. When students leave campus, they understand their purpose goes beyond personal fulfillment as a responsibility to care for the community God has placed them in. True commitment to our country is found in caring not only for our nation at large, but in caring for the people within our own communities.  

In commitment to country, Geneva also prioritizes core courses including Bible and humanities that teach students the foundation of western civilization and a deeper understanding of the formation of our nation. "Geneva’s motto including “et Patria” means that Geneva believes that we owe understanding, loyalty, and love to the Patria where we live and die.”*

Pro Christo: For Christ 

Notice that et patria comes directly after Christo. It is important to note that Christ must remain first when discussing these two ideas. Pro Christo is the Latin translation of “for Christ.” It must be understood that a missional statement “for Christ” is not just a belief but an active way of life. This strong value is evident not only throughout Scripture but also across the course of history. Countless lives have been lost, all for the sake of being for Christ, above anything else, even before country. 

What does it mean for an institution to be “for Christ”? At its core, it means that Christ’s approval comes before anything else. It means committing to the word of God even when culture says otherwise. It means that every element of the institution seeks to find its purpose and identity in Christ, driving all that we do: every email, every meeting, every sport event demonstrates an unashamed dedication to our identity as Christians. Being a Christian — being for Christ — is never meant to be a side aspect of life, but rather the very foundation on which everything else is built. 

At Geneva, biblical values and a deeply rooted trust in Christ is integrated into every classroom subject, every extracurricular activity, and every interaction we have with each other. 

Pro Christo et Patria summarizes who we are at Geneva and what our mission has always and will continue to be. The founders in 1848 believed in these words and prayed that the future generations would stand firm in these convictions. When we are serving Christ before all else and caring for the wellbeing of our neighbors and nation, we are living out and maintaining these convictions which have served Geneva well. Let us then strive to be Pro Christo et Patria. 

By Grace Forton ‘28 

*https://www.geneva.edu/about-geneva/identity/seal-motto

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Aug 26, 2025

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