Expanded Ring Ceremony Grows in Popularity

Smiles, tears and “whooshes” of joy abounded as nearly 100 students received their class rings at the UT Dallas ring ceremony last week.

The rings serve as a tangible reminder of the bond between alumni and the University that shaped their futures.

Held on the eve of commencement, the ring ceremony has become a rite of passage for many Comets. Due to the tradition’s growing popularity, the ceremonial dunking of the ring was moved from the round trellis pool to a reflecting pool on the University mall.

Above: Dr. Aaron Conley, vice president for Development and alumni relations, wishes  Leander Zanders well in his pursuit of a degree in public affairs at UT Dallas. At right: Students prepare to dip their rings in the reflecting pool. By dipping the rings in the pool as a group, the students cover the ring and themselves in UT Dallas pride.
Friends since grade school, marketing senior Christina Marcum (center, left)  and biology senior Molly Leadbeater celebrated the occasion with their families.