Spring 2010 (PDF) - Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Ring Tradition
The Virginia Tech Class ring embodies and invokes memories, traditions and pride that tie Hokies,
young and old, together. The tradition began in the 1911-1912 school session. With the 2011 ring, the
Ring Tradition will celebrate 100 years. Since the beginning, each Virginia Tech class has designed a
ring distinctive and unique to its class. Today, Virginia Tech is one of only a few colleges and universities
that redesigns its ring collection each year.
Each year, the sophomore class selects a Ring Design Committee responsible for designing and
marketing their class ring collection, adding elements that reflect their class experiences on the
class side. All ring designs have an eagle and crossed sabers, usually found on the university side
and symbolizing the military heritage and traditions of the Corps of Cadets. The chain links that have
encircled the ring bezel on Virginia Tech rings since 1940 represent class unity, the strength of many
united as one.
Beginning in 1991, each class began naming their collection in honor of an outstanding Virginia
Tech personality. During each class’s junior year, the collection is unveiled in the fall at the annual
Ring Premiere. Rings ordered in fall are delivered the week of Ring Dance, held in the spring of the
class’s junior year.
The Class of 2010 recognized G. Truman Ward ‘49 as their ring collection namesake. Dr. Ray Smoot
‘69, and his wife Jean Smoot, were names class of 2010 sponsors.
Ring Dance
The first Ring Dance was held on April 27, 1934, where the saber arch, ring figure and presentation
of the ring by the junior’s date were introduced. The Virginia Tech Ring Dance symbolizes a hallmark
in a Virginia Tech student’s career. Upon entering the dance, each couple receives a pair of ribbons.
The woman wears her date’s ring on her wrist with the darker colored ribbon, and the man wears
his date’s ring on his wrist with the lighter colored ribbon. The university president presides over the
official ring presentation. The Corps of Cadets juniors enter the ballroom and form the ring figure in
the shape of the class numerals. They are then joined with their dates who are escorted by freshmen
corps members. As rings are presented, “Moonlight and V.P.I.,” written in 1942 specifically for the
Ring Dance by composer Fred Waring and lyricist Charles Gaynor, is performed. As the clock strikes
midnight, the evening ends with an elaborate fireworks display on the Drillfield and the playing of
“Silver Taps.”
Turning of the Ring
For many years, it has been tradition for a current student to wear his/her class ring so that the
name Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University faces the wearer. Upon graduation, the ring
is turned to face out to let the world know the wearer is a Hokie alumnus/a. Those who wear the ring
proudly state to others, “I am a Hokie, a Virginia Tech graduate who understands the meaning of Ut
Prosim (That I May Serve).”
For more information or inquiries about the ring, contact the Virginia Tech Alumni Association at
www.alumni.vt.edu/classrings/ or 540/231-6285.
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