Donna Sweigart (left), a creative design co-lead associate professor, and art and jewelry design students Vilma Flores, Gloria Reyes and Oscar O. Padron pose in front of the College of Fine Arts class ring last Thursday on the Edinburg campus. MICHELLE ESPINOZA/THE RIDER
On Thursday, the UTRGV class ring was finally revealed in the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón in Brownsville and the Student Union Commons in Edinburg.
Nearly 200 people attended the event to see a video of the first official class ring, which was designed by UTRGV students.
“I would like to recognize all the contributors in the development of the UTRGV first official class ring,” Student Government Association President Denisse Molina-Castro said. “… Thank you for making this day possible.”
To purchase the ring, students must have completed a minimum 75 semester credit hours.
“Those who purchase a ring will receive a free cap and gown,” Molina-Castro said.
She said that more information about the “extremely unique and beautifully stylish” ring will be revealed later.
“The ring reflects the university’s spirit,” Molina-Castro said.
Even though President Guy Bailey could not attend the ceremony, he appeared on a video made for the ring reveal.
“Every university has a ring that represents what it meant to the students,” Bailey said. “Those rings are written symbols.”
The president also said that what is most important to him is the fact that students were involved in the process of creating and designing the ring.
“That’s meaningful to me and I hope it will be to you as well,” he said.
Peter Averack, Student Government Association vice president, speaks to students before the UTRGV Class Ring Reveal last Thursday in the Student Union Commons on the Edinburg campus. Graduating students who place an order by Friday will be able to attend the class ring ceremony May 6 and will receive a free cap and gown with their purchase. MICHELLE ESPINOZA/THE RIDER
Art jewelry design student Gloria Reyes said the architecture on the campuses inspired the creation of the ring. Symbols on the ring also distinguish the college from which the student graduated, a palm frond representing the Rio Grande Valley and a swash as a symbol of the Rio Grande.
The ring comes in gold or silver and students may have their college symbol on the front of the ring. The options are Sheer Ice, Pebble Satin, Matte Black or Engraved Stone. Ring sizes range from extra small to extra large, and an insurance plan is also available. Students may add their full name, their initials and their class.
“It is going to be worn by thousands of students,” said student Vilma Flores, who helped designed the ring. “Our biggest challenge was putting a lot of symbolism and representation.”
A ring ceremony, in which students receive their rings in the presence of family, friends and university dignitaries, is planned for May 6, according to a UTRGV news release. To participate in the ceremony, students must purchase their ring by Friday.
“They can charge it to the school account, just this week,” Josten’s Associate Dora Cavazos said. “The price ranges from $375 to $4,000.”
Cavazos will be in the bookstore on the Brownsville campus to receive orders all day Wednesday and Thursday.
If students are unable to order it at the bookstores, they may purchase the rings at Jostens.com.
“We hope you like it as much as we do,” Molina-Castro said.
