The make-up of the original crest of Griffith University was influenced by the coat of arms belonging to the organisation's namesake, Sir Samuel Walker Griffith. The two lions that can be seen clearly on the shield of the emblem are one of the more obvious elements that were transferred across from Sir Samuel's coat of arms to the University crest. At the top of the Griffith crest, the Maltese Cross can be seen which links it to the Queensland Coat of Arms that also bears the Maltese Cross at the top. The open book that can be seen is representative of learning and education.