UT Ring Ceremony Bigger and Better Than Ever

By Alex Vickery in Association, Special, TXEX on November 16, 2015 at 2:24 pm | No Comments

A thousand soon-to-be UT-Austin graduates gathered under the light of the Tower Friday night, surrounded by adoring friends and family. Each of them held a small box that contained a shining symbol of their time on the Forty Acres. As Texas Exes president Antonio Garza addressed the crowd, he lauded the class ring as a reminder not only of students’ cherished college years, but also of the worldwide UT network that they will join upon graduating.

Unlike at previous ring ceremonies, there was a palpable excitement in the cool November air, as 4,000 attendees realized they were witnessing the making of a new tradition—a bigger and better ring ceremony. Instead of holding multiple events throughout the week, this year’s revamped ceremony saw an entire class come together, making them the largest group to ever receive their class rings at one time.

For some students, the class ring is a band of honor that solidifies their hard work, all-nighters, and commitment to an education. For others, it’s a reminder of the support system that encouraged them to follow their dreams. Above all, it’s a symbol of pride.

“We want you to wear your UT ring with pride, and remember what you’ve accomplished,” said UT Vice President for Student Affairs Gage Paine.

After much anticipation, the students opened the boxes and put their rings on, erupting in a mix of cheers and joyful tears. They turned their gleaming Hook ’ems toward the Tower and joined their classmates in singing “The Eyes of Texas.”

Many students then took to social media to share their happiness and gratitude for having completed 75 credit hours and being one step closer to graduation: