Centennial celebration of university class ring tradition begins Oct. 13

3 Sep 2009

The class ring tradition began in the 1911-12 academic year.

The 100 year celebration of the Virginia Tech class ring will be held in 2009 with the 2011 ring. The celebration will begin the Class of 2011 Ring Premiere on Oct. 13 and ending with the Ring Dance and Banquet on March 26–27, 2010.

The Virginia Tech class ring tradition began in the 1911–12 school session when four classes (1911–1914) designed their rings. The Class of 2011 has the distinction of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Virginia Tech ring.

Since then 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 redesign their ring collection each year.

Annually, 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 of the ring itself. All ring designs have an eagle and crossed sabers, usually found on the university side and symbolizing the military heritage and traditions of the Virginia Tech 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.

Since 1991, the design process has included the recognition of a distinguished alumnus, alumna, or university president. The Class of 2011 has chosen Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Steger as their class ring namesakes and honor them for their many years of exemplary service to Virginia Tech. Jack and Linda Davis are serving as the Class of 2011 sponsors. Jack Davis is the dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, and Linda Davis is an adjunct professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise, Schiffert Health Center.