The arms are supported by a Canada goose and a red squirrel. The Canada goose represents the family of geese living on the University campus. The squirrel is the crest of the arms of Aston Manor and is a rebus. (The picture is a pun on the persons name. The owners of Aston Manor were the Holte family and a squirrel's nest is called a holt). This explains the ancient connection between the squirrel and Aston. The animal also appears on the University mace and on the Chancellor's chain of office. This chain was originally the property of the Mayor of Aston Manor.