<p>so, each time i proudly don my penn sweatshirt, at least two or three people will ask " what does that fish with the dots mean?" in which i am forced to respond " i have absolutely no clue." i attempted to research the true meaning of the penn insignia online and failed miserably, so i was curious if anyone here knew what it actually meant and could share it with me. thanks!!!</p>
<p>[Penn:</a> Office of the University Secretary: Frequently Asked Questions](<a href=“Home | Office of the University Secretary”>Home | Office of the University Secretary)</p>
<p>Q: What is the history and meaning of Penn’s shield?
A: The Penn coat-of-arms was derived by combining the coat-of-arms of Benjamin Franklin and that of William Penn’s family. The dolphin on the red chief was part of Franklin’s coat-of-arms and the three silver plates on the blue chevron were part of Penn’s. The two were combined on a white shield along with two open volumes representing the University’s educational purpose.</p>