Students paraded into the Lod Cook Alumni Center to “Pomp and Circumstance” Tuesday night not to receive their diplomas, but instead to receive their class rings.
More than 100 students who are preparing to graduate in December, May or August participated in the Alumni Association’s Legacy Ring Ceremony Tuesday night.
Although several companies offer class rings, Charlie Roberts, Alumni Association president and CEO, said students who purchased the official ring from one company, ArtCarved jewelers, were invited to participate in the ceremony.
“The single-ring tradition creates a link between LSU graduates,” the event’s program read. “Times will change, but the ring will remain the same.”
Cliff Vannoy, Alumni Association senior vice-president, said the official ring represents the bond between LSU and its alumni.
The Legacy Ring is inscribed with the student’s graduation year, a picture of a “stately oak,” tiger, the memorial tower and the title of the student’s degree. The purple stone features the seal of LSU and one side features the last words of the alma mater, “Forever LSU.”
Roberts said the rings ranged in costs, depending on the type of metal, from about $200 to $400.
With the cost of education on the rise and the threat of a poor job market, a $300 ring might seem like an unnecessary cost to some students, but several of the students who participated in the event said the ring means a lot to them.
Angelina Chauvin, a mass communication senior graduating in May, said her ring represents her pride in her school.
“I’m proud to say I’m graduating from LSU,” Chauvin said.
Chauvin said she specifically chose the Legacy Ring, which she plans to wear as often as possible, because she liked the idea of having a ceremony to commemorate the event.
Chauvin said her father encouraged her to purchase a ring because he missed out on the opportunity himself. She called the event a “family affair” because her cousin also was participating.
Candace Griffin, a history senior and Chauvin’s cousin, said she plans to wear her ring forever after graduating in December.
“I got a ring because I thought it would be a good symbol of LSU and something to remember it by,” Griffin said. “LSU is a part of everybody who comes here. You have a connection with everybody.”
Griffin said she is looking forward to meeting other alumni and connecting with them by sharing stories and memories.
Both cousins said they enjoyed the ceremony because it brought them together with their family and classmates, and helped them feel like part of the “family of alumni.”
Chancellor Mark Emmert spoke to the crowd of students and loved ones, and presented each participant with their ring.
Emmert repeatedly referred to the event as “almost” a great moment. He said the students receiving rings almost were a part of the University’s alumni and would soon celebrate their graduation.
“When you become part of this family, you become part of a family which reaches all across the world,” Emmert said. “Wherever you will go, you will run into LSU alumni.”
Emmert told stories about running into students and alumni in Germany, London and San Francisco. He said the “family” extends to the far corners of the earth, and each member always is eager to share their memories and experiences.
Roberts said when students receive the Legacy Ring, they are supposed to wear it with the LSU insignia facing them. When students receive their diploma, they are supposed to turn the ring around and face the insignia outward as a symbol that they are ready to face the world.
“We are family,” Roberts said. “You will be a part of this family. Wear your ring proudly.”