While over the years different versions of the sun's face and the rays radiating from it have been used, the seal is essentially unchanged to this day. The seal on the right site uses Callender's original design, with the exception of the addition of the yellow color to provide contrast on the screen. Legend has it that the sun symbolizes Bowdoin's location as the easternmost college in the United States. Originally created as an architectural adornment, the sundial has become a familiar symbol at Bowdoin. The Pines are an enduring Bowdoin symbol.
Pines are everywhere on campus, but the north grove is the largest and most beautiful.
On Earth Day '97, students and others worked to renew and clear trails among this stand of ancient trees. Built in the midst of a pine and hardwood grove, the College often used the pine as its symbol. Now the pines continue as the symbol of the Bowdoin Web site. Although thought of as a wild and ancient stand predating academia, the pines that today line the perimeter of the campus are part of a cultivated grove with few trees older than the college itself. Since 1811, the coat of arms of Governor James Bowdoin has been associated with the College bearing his name.