Become part of the Rice Ring tradition

By Catherine Yuh     9/11/13 7:00pm

Last October, the Class of 2014 joined thousands in the Rice community to celebrate our university's 100th birthday. Watching the Centennial Spectacle in the Academic Quadrangle with fellow Owls, both past and present, gave me a great sense of pride and awe. As the owl's wingspan flickered out across Lovett Hall and a hush fell over the audience, I realized just how lucky I am to be a Rice student. I know many in my class felt the same way.

This year may be the last for the senior class, but our time as Rice alumni has not even begun. To commemorate our college experiences, the Association of Rice Alumni offers a small, elegant keepsake: class rings. Rice Rings are exclusive to Rice graduates (President David Leebron can't even have one) and unite Owls across generations and international borders. A long-standing tradition dating back to 1916, the Rice Ring was designed entirely by students. After its design was finalized in 1918, the ring saw no more changes until two years ago, when engraved college crests on the ring's interior band became an option for the first time. While the addition of the college crest ties our Rice experiences to our individual colleges, the unchanged exterior face features a university crest that identifies us as Rice graduates to the outside world. Lastly, the graduation year on each ring serves to connect us with our class.

Some students might wonder whether a ring is worth the investment, and the simple answer is yes. Sporting a class ring can help with job interviews, open new networks and offer a starting point for conversation. The value of owning and wearing a Rice Ring is, ultimately, priceless. Not only does the ring have practical value, but it also serves as a tangible representation of the pride we have for Rice. The ring represents anything and everything we want to remember our Rice experiences by: Night of Decadence, those delicious frosted brownies from Coffeehouse, Club Fondren, the Centennial Procession, Architectronica, concerts at the Shepherd School of Music, squirrels, Associates Nights, midnight runs to 59 Diner. It symbolizes the opportunities Rice has afforded us as students and what Rice holds for us as alumni. Moreover, the ring is a way for us to represent Rice to the world.

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Following the success of last year's Rice Ring events, Alumni Affairs and the Rice Ring Ambassador Committee are once again hosting a Ring Celebration to honor and recognize the tradition behind the ring. The event is scheduled for the evening of Nov. 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in the Rice Homecoming and Reunion 2013 Alumni Tent. The Alumni Tent will be between the Shepherd School of Music and Jamail Plaza Fountain. Food and drinks will be provided, and families are welcome to join the festivities.

Rice Rings can be ordered through the Rice Bookstore and are available in 10-, 14- and 18-karat yellow and white gold. Ring Ambassadors have worked to bring prices down such that purchasing a ring can be a viable option for all students. In addition to the traditional metals, less-expensive metals such as silver celestrium (stainless steel) and sterling silver are available, as are interest-free installment plans. While rings can be ordered any time, those who purchase their rings by Sept. 19 are guaranteed to have their rings available for pickup at the Ring Celebration in November. To help with sizing and metal selection, Balfour representatives will be available at the Rice Memorial Center from Sept. 17 - Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Investing in a Rice Ring is a sign of our commitment to continue serving as ambassadors of the university. In just one year, we will no longer be Rice students, but Rice alumni. As the most recognizable emblem of the Rice University network, this single piece of jewelry connects us to the broader Rice community and strengthens the bonds and memories we all share. Taking part in this tradition links us to those who have already left the Sallyport and those who have yet to walk in. See what doors your ring will open for you.

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