Chris Calvin, accounting senior, has been wearing his high school senior ring for eight years, and Monday night he got the chance to replace it with a bolder, brighter band — his University senior ring.In front of family and friends, 125 students received their seniors rings at the Lod Cook Alumni Center.Brandi Roberts, associate director of Auxiliary Services, said more than 400 students purchased the senior rings, which feature the Memorial Tower, Mike The Tiger, oak leaves and magnolia blossoms.Students must have completed a minimum of 90 course credits to purchase a ring.”Every student who is qualified is invited, but not everyone attends the ceremony,” Roberts said.Since 1999, Balfour has provided the official University class ring, which is personalized for each student.Opening the ring ceremony, Cliff Vannoy, vice president of the LSU Alumni Association, told the students the ring is a “symbol of achievement and pride.”Charlie Roberts, LSU Alumni Association president, explained how the ring is unique to University alumni.”The ring separates and identifies you,” Roberts said. “It welcomes you as members of the LSU family.”Roberts advised the students to continue giving back to the University after they graduate.”We need your support,” Roberts said. “Don’t forget LSU.”Before presenting the rings, Chancellor Michael Martin told the students they have a bright future ahead.”We are celebrating what we expect you to accomplish,” Martin said. “You are the people that will make a difference.”After the speakers, the students received their rings from Louis Minsky, LSU Alumni Association chairman.Mai Nguyen, engineering senior, said the ring brings back memories.”It reminds me of LSU football and all of the good times I’ve had at the games,” Nguyen said.Besides replacing his high school ring, Calvin said his University ring represents “everything the school has done for me.”Wearing their newly acquired rings, the students concluded the ceremony by singing the alma mater.—-Contact Michael Lambert at [email protected]