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The year was 1971, and Christopher Newport College had just become a four-year, degree-granting institution. To mark this important milestone, President James C. Windsor launched a contest to design Christopher Newport's first—and ultimately only—official seal. More than 50 years later, that original design remains an enduring symbol of the University’s history and identity.
While the seal is familiar to many, the story behind its creation–and creator–is lesser known. Kenneth Flick, a sophomore at the time with a talent for sketching, decided to enter President Windsor’s contest. He recalls wanting to craft a design with a nautical image that incorporated meaningful symbols connected to the University's roots and mission. Flick found unexpected inspiration for the project while visiting a nearby library, and that’s when his vision for the seal began to take shape.
“There was a nine-foot mural of Capt. Christopher Newport, complete with his hook, at the West Avenue Library in downtown Newport News. So I returned with some paper and pencils and spent about an hour sketching him out. I eventually added a ship's wheel, incorporating Old English lettering into the wood, with Captain Newport's hand on the wheel, piloting the ship,” said Flick ‘73.
“I also wanted the seal to pay homage to our history as part of William & Mary, so I included ship anchor chains dividing the seal into three sections. In the left section, I placed the seal of the College of William & Mary, our parent school. On the right, I added the shield of the old two-year community college along with the date of Christopher Newport's establishment, and finally I added in the lamp of knowledge,” he said.
Flick recalls that a table was set up in the breezeway of the former Gosnold Hall to display all the design entries. Students and faculty came by to vote for their favorite. Flick was thrilled to learn his seal had won, but says once he turned his original drawing over to President Windsor, he kept quiet about his prize-winning design.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to seem like a braggart,” Flick said.
But memories of the seal and contest resurfaced decades later, a few years before Flick attended his 50th class reunion. He shared his story with Senior Director of Alumni Engagement M. Baxter Vendrick. Flick wondered what became of his original sketch.
Vendrick smiled. "Please follow me, sir," he said to Flick, and guided him through the Gregory P. Klich Alumni House to where a copy of Flick’s original sketch is showcased in glass. “He seemed a little shocked when he saw his work displayed. I don’t know who had more tears, Kenneth or myself.”
Vendrick described that day at the Klich Alumni House as a “beautiful moment, when history converged with the present.”
Vendrick added, “It was a really special day at the Alumni House. That’s exactly what this building is intended to do: unite our Captains with their alma mater, and help tell their stories.”
Flick’s considerable talents were also utilized in two other important projects at Christopher Newport when he was a student. He was selected to design the first CNC flag, as well as the college’s first four-year class ring, which was worn by members of the first baccalaureate class in 1971.
Flick graduated in 1973, and went on to marry, begin a family and pursue a variety of professions, including working security for the city of Newport News. He recently rekindled his connection with Christopher Newport when he decided to come out of retirement—he says boredom was to blame!—and began working part-time for the campus Police Department. Flick says he feels grateful at this stage in his life to be enjoying such deep ties to his beloved alma mater.
“It makes me so happy to know my work is still meaningful to the University,” he said. “I’m so proud the seal will be my legacy of sorts, and will last well beyond my time here.”
The black and white images of Kenneth Flick (far left in the image above) and friends and the university seal are courtesy of The Daily Press.