Candidates for Graduation Receive Class Ring as Gift
"The ring you will receive tonight is much more than a piece of jewelry. This ring is a symbol for all that we love and treasure about our alma mater."
That is how the story of the ring begins during the bi-annual Ring Rally.
Some 260 students are eligible to receive the graduation gift from Hardin Simmons University this spring. The Ring Rally is a two night event on the campus, with about half of the eligible students receiving their calss rings each of the nights.
The story of the ring is told by Clint Buck, President-Elect of the Board of Young Associates and Emily Clancy, Vice president of the Alumni Association during the spring ceremony.
• EMILY: The ring is crowned with the university's official seal. The open book represents the Bible and pursuit of knowledge, the cross reminds us of Jesus Christ, and the flame represents the Holy Spirit and the quest for excellence.
• CLINT: Etched on the Legacy side of the ring is a bucking horse and rider, representing our school's ranching legacy. This is surrounded by the words "Famous are thy halls," taken from the HSU Anthem written in 1917. The six flags have been engraved to represent the various flags of Texas, carried by the Six White Horses and displayed here on the stage tonight.
• EMILY: Near the top, the degree letters are engraved to celebrate the accomplishments of the wearer, and pecan leaves grace the letters, reminding us of the shade-providing trees on campus.
• CLINT: Below, is a field of bricks, reminiscent of the classical red brick architecture of the campus, which is an appropriate background for the historic campus bell, now displayed near the Reflection pond.
• EMILY: On the Heritage side, the Legett Memorial Bridge is symbolized to reflect the unity experienced on the HSU campus.
• CLINT: The ring pictures the beautiful stained glass window of Logsdon Chapel, completed in 1989. Encircling the chapel window is the school motto, "An Education Enlightened by Faith," which was coined in the mid-1990s and puts into words a goal held by the university since its founding in 1891.
• EMILY: Below this, the purple and gold HSU beanie is etched into the ring as a reminder of the tradition of having freshmen wear their beanies, and cleverly tucked into the letters "HSU" is a fire hydrant, a tribute to one of the school's most loved icons, a white bulldog named Dam-It.
• CLINT: Finally the class year is engraved on each ring to recognize each student's unique HSU experience.
• EMILY: Your Official Ring is a symbol of your ties to Hardin-Simmons University, and we know you'll cherish it always.
Britt Jones, director of alumni services says, "The HSU Official Ring is a distinctive emblem symbolizing tradition, honor, pride and academic success. It encompasses who we are. It tells a story of our past and our present. It's a visible reminder of life-long friendships built while attending HSU. It demonstrates our ties to Hardin-Simmons University and is a tradition that will continue through the years."
University Provost Dr. Bill Ellis personally presents each graduate's ring during the Ring Celebration and Presentation Ceremony in Logsdon Chapel.
Dr. Ellis says of the ceremony:
" This is a very special occasion as we continue the newest tradition at HSU. While this new tradition will encompass all who wear the HSU ring, we hope that it will be special and personal to each of you. Since the 16th century B.C., rings have been a universal symbol, frequently representing status, accomplishment, and commitment. The ring you will receive tonight is a symbol of academic achievement and success, as well a sign of loyalty and school pride."
"It is also represents your dedication, perseverance, and accomplishment. It's a visible reminder of life-long friendships. In other words, it's not just about a degree... it's about relationships. It's about the relationships you have built while attending HSU. It's about relationships with your professors and coaches, your classmates and roommates, staff and administration--it's about being part of the HSU family."
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