The UT Dallas Ring Ceremony began in 2001. For the first time, students this year ceremoniously dunked their rings in the pool under the trellis.
At the center of the sunlit campus, 50 students recently faced a crowd of parents and friends. And with one dunk of their class rings into one of the University’s new shimmering pools, they wished for a bright future.
The act is a new tradition at The University of Texas at Dallas, which is now anchored by a mall that was created by a campus enhancement project that brought landscaping, trees, reflecting pools and an iconic trellis. By dipping the rings in the pool as a group, the students cover the ring and themselves in UT Dallas pride.
Family and friends of Jacqueline Billings BS’12 (center) cheered when she collected her class ring. She majored in speech-language pathology and audiology.
During this year’s ring ceremony, many graduates shed tears, blew kisses and thanked friends, faculty and family for supporting them through their time at UT Dallas.
“I was raised in Amarillo and was just a scrawny little kid,” said Ravi-Kumar Knutson BA’13. “Then I came to this University and I became independent and learned about leadership. I want to thank the University for making me what I am today. And as always, ‘Whoosh.’”
More than 100 friends and family gathered to cheer on the students as they were presented their rings by President David E. Daniel. The ceremony is open to graduates and undergraduates.
“You will soon be joining the community of over 70,000 UT Dallas alumni,” said Daniel. “Your ring provides a tangible and symbolic connection to your University, and to your fellow alumni all around the United States, and around the world.”
Spring 2012 Commencement: Grad Ceremonies Celebrate Journeys Ending – and Beginning
ABOUT THE RINGS
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Symbolic design
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Etiquette
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