Every Virginia Tech Hokie values tradition. When junior year rolls around for these students, tradition takes on a whole new form—in a class ring, of course.       

Ring Premiere and Ring Dance are nights where Hokie pride gets an upgrade. To outsiders, a ring is just a piece of jewelry. But to those who call Virginia Tech home, we know that our class ring is a symbol and token of our time spent at a school that has shaped who we are today.  

Virginia Tech is one of the only colleges to change the ring design each year. The Class of 2016 Ring Design Committee and the Leadership Team work hard to craft this signature piece of jewelry into the beautiful work of art that represents the student body. Virginia Tech's class rings are unlike most university rings. There are two unique sides to the ring -- the first side represents the university as a whole, and the other side represents the individual graduating class. Even though this tradition has been going on since 1872, each ring is truly unique and different from the previous designs before. This tradition of Virginia Tech definitely embodies commitment to both savoring the past and inventing the future.   

For those of you who were initially hesitant or skeptical about the magic behind the class ring, chances are that Ring Premiere on Oct. 7 completely changed your outlook on this tradition – and might have even given you chills (it's okay, you can admit it). The night was flawlessly executed with a combination of photo slideshows, a performance by the Highty Tighties, and speeches from both the Class Ring Namesake. The night even finished with a dramatic entrance of the Hokie Bird delivering the top-secret ring design. Even the confetti that exploded at the end of the event was the dark red, champagne and pearl white colors of the Class of 2016. By the end of the night, the entire audience was proud to be a Hokie.       

Ariana Mollers, Banquet Chair on the Leadership Team, describes her love for the class ring.    

"Everyone should buy a ring because you'll never get the chance to share a common tradition with your college class," she said. "The ring symbolizes tradition, memories, Ut Prosim. We have to value our college years while we have them." 

The night was filled with laughter, school spirit and love for Virginia Tech. You could feel the excitement build in the room as Rachel Holloway, the Class Sponsor, and Benjamin J. Davenport Jr., the Class Namesake, spoke throughout the evening describing their time at the school. It was amazing to see something as simple as a ring bring so much joy to a room. 

Ring sales will take place at the Squires Student Center in the Williamsburg Room -- look out for updates on the specific time and dates for sales. There are beautiful styles for every taste and budget, so be sure to check out all the different options available.  

Don’t miss out on your chance to wear the tradition of Virginia Tech! After all, you are a Hokie for life.