Collegiate Times

Besides the more recent traditions of jumping to the sound of “Enter Sandman” and those weekend sprints to DXpress, a 100-year-old tradition is upon the students of Virginia Tech.

Today at 7 p.m. in Burruss Hall, the Class of 2013 Ring Committee will present the junior class with its own ring design collection.

Each year, a ring committee is selected to put their creative minds together and design a ring collection that will catch the essence of their class. After putting in a year of dedication and hard work, the 2013 ring design is finally ready to be revealed.

“I’ve been waiting since freshman year for this,” said Jamia Jordan, a junior psychology major. “It’s finally my turn.”

Not only is ring premiere considered one of the most memorable events held on campus, but it’s also one of deep tradition.

The ring premiere ceremony began with the Class of 1911 and became an official tradition in 1912. Tech is one of the few universities that hold an annual class ring ceremony, according to the Tech website.

“It’s the most creative experience you can have in this kind of setting,” said Clayton Miller, the ring committee head chair. “We’re trying to get everyone involved, especially the freshmen so they can get excited about their junior year.”

Every class is invited to come out and join the junior class in celebrating the ring design. This year’s premiere is considered a preview for the freshmen and sophomores who must wait their turn.

Seniors who have already experienced the ring premiere still remember the night.

“It was great to finally see what my ring looked like. It really is a great experience, not just for juniors, but for every other class as well,” said Marc Easton, a senior aerospace engineering major.

The premiere ceremony itself will only last about one hour. After a short introduction from the ring committee, the Highty-Tighties will play a number of pep tunes for the crowd before the show begins.

While ring premiere continues to have traditions, each ring committee attempts to spice things up a bit.

“Since 1991, there has been a namesake that we dedicate the ring collection to,” Miller said.

This year, the ring collection will be dedicated to David E. Lowe, an involved Tech alumnus.

“It’s our way of saying thank you,” Miller said. 

Following the dedication, there will be a series of original videos designed by the ring committee to increase the anticipation of the unveiling of the official class of 2013 ring.

After the ceremony is over, juniors will be able to order their class rings in advance — they will receive their class rings at the Ring Dance next March.

After the unveiling, free T-shirts will be distributed to everyone who attended followed by fireworks on the drillfield at 8 p.m.

The fireworks will be accompanied by the Corps of Cadets skipper crew who will blast off cannons.

Those interested in learning more about the event can visit the “Class of 2013 Ring Premiere” Facebook page.

A version of this article appeared in the Oct 4 issue of the Collegiate Times.