The Class Ring – it’s a tradition unlike any other at Virginia Tech and in the nation. It's a tradition that has been celebrated since 1911. A tradition that represents the individuality of each class while also continuing the history of the university dating back to 1872. A tradition that some may say is as old as time.
“The Virginia Tech Ring is an engagement ring – a tangible symbol that shows a student’s or alum’s promise of a lifelong commitment to Virginia Tech, saying 'yes!' to being a for life Hokie,” explained Class Programs Advisor, Laura Wedin.
Class of 2017 President, Pat Finn, describes Ring Dance as “The epicenter of Virginia Tech tradition. The class ring tells such an amazing story about our experiences at this university and community that we are so lucky to be a part of.”
At Tech, the ring tradition is one that you’ve heard about since freshman orientation, but you never quite imagined it would ever be your turn to experience it. This year, on April 1-2, the class of 2017 has the great honor and privilege of celebrating their class ring dance. All juniors and their dates are invited to experience "An Evening of Enchantment." It will be a spectacle that will take your breath away; a charming evening that epitomizes the traditions that make ring dance such a special part of Virginia Tech.
“Walking into the dance will feel like you just stepped into your favorite fairytale book. The decorations and accessories will give the dark and elegant feel of the enchanted forest, while tying in elements of tradition with our class logo and ring,” explained Chris Willging, Class of 2017 Ring Design Committee Member.
One of the most unique things about this tradition is that it means something different to each individual experiencing it. Class of 2017 Guest Relations Chair, Ella Wade, was lucky enough to experience the Class of 2015 Ring Dance as a freshman with her date who was in the Corps. “To me, my rings show my commitment to the school that I love the most. To leadership team, our evening of enchantment captures all of the unique aspects of our class and provides a night where peers, new and old, can come and celebrate one of Virginia Tech’s oldest traditions.”
Daniel Mun, another Class of 2017 Ring Design Committee Member described Ring Dance as a time for “the whole class of 2017 to be together in one place, experiencing such a long standing tradition that is almost unmatched anywhere else in the nation.”
And as for members of the Corps of Cadets, Lindsey Bittinger, Class of 2017 Cadet Dress and Sabre, described Ring Dance as a tradition at every turn. “Even though we, as juniors in the Corps, have ordered our rings and tried them on, we have never seen them. It will not be until that Friday, April 1st, that we finally get to look at them. In the military, class rings are worn by a lot of really proud guys and gals, but few, if any, get the opportunity to wear our own little piece of Blacksburg around with us… It’s a constant reminder of the place we graciously got to call home for a mere four, or even five years, of our lives. It reminds us of who we are – members of a proud Hokie Nation.”
Both nights of Ring Dance are very special nights. While juniors can only pick one night to go, we can promise you whichever night you decide to go to, it will be worthwhile.
Class of 2017 Cadet Member at Large, Jack Crockett, explained that at each night, “everybody is coming together to celebrate the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ aspect of getting your ring,” which can be both exciting and a little nerve wracking. “However, by coming together at Ring Dance, you’ll be able to see that you’re not alone in the fact that you’re a Hokie about to step into the real world. Once you realize that, you truly do appreciate your time here in Blacksburg…It’s a privilege to call yourself a student at Virginia Tech.”
Ring Dance is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of tradition. Being one of the few universities in the nation to celebrate the class ring to the extent that we do, we take a lot of pride in the sense of tradition it brings to each class and to the university.
“There is no tradition like the ring tradition at Virginia Tech,” explains Cal Wontrop, Class of 2017 Ring Dance Chair. “It is rare that you find something so special to signify something so important. I will cherish my class ring and my time at ring dance for the rest of my life, and I hope the entire class of 2017 will, as well.”
“What I am most excited for is a day that happens before the dance,” describes Willging. “The day that all juniors finally get to go pick up their class rings. I remember so vividly the night I received my ring at Ring Premiere: it was love at first sight. The minute I slipped that ring onto my finger, I felt so proud and so connected to the university, and it will be a constant reminder of my Virginia Tech experience.”
The Class of 2017 Leadership Team has put countless hours into planning these two nights for their class. From the design of the ring to the decorations at Ring Dance and to the class website, everything has been catered to the experiences of our class, specifically. And when that first weekend of April rolls around, it will be our time to celebrate everything from our greatest achievements to our most minor wins and to kick off our last year as Hokies together.
Join us on April 1-2 for "An Evening of Enchantment" to continue the celebration of a tradition as old as time.
