Rings Arrive In Aggieland, Students Ready For Tradition

Thousands of Aggies will be joining the elite members of the Aggie Network Friday as they slip on coveted Fightin’ Texas Aggie Rings.

The Ring Day tradition as it is known today began in the late 1990s. Every September, November and April, about 3,000 Aggies gather to celebrate with their families, friends and fellow classmates. The day is special to all involved, although it might have a different meaning to every student.

Part of the ring’s significance comes from its design and symbolism. The ring shows pride, with a shield on the crown representing protection of the reputation of Texas A&M, stars and stripes displaying American patriotism and a five-point star referring to the state of Texas. The ring includes an olive and laurel branch for peace and live oak leaves for the strength to fight.

For most Aggies, however, the meaning of the ring is far beyond the intricate designs. Erin Albers, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, and Mallory Molitor, a senior health major, are both receiving their Aggie rings today.

“I am excited about Ring Day and my Aggie Ring because I feel it is the sign that I have made it,” Albers said. “I came to A&M to get an education, and this is my way of showing that I have reached my goal.”

“The ring itself has so much history and prestige to it, and I feel blessed to be able to not only have the ring, but to be part of an extensive network of people who have come before me and celebrated this special moment as well,” Molitor said.

Although rings have been handed out at a variety of locations, including the Memorial Student Center, Pavilion and Heaton Hall, most Aggies associate Ring Day with the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center. However, Ring Day has been moved from this location to G. Rollie White Coliseum while construction is underway at the Alumni Center. The decision to move the momentous occasion was made after The Association of Former Students conducted an extensive search for the proper location.

“G. Rollie White is a facility rich in history and tradition at Texas A&M that is centrally located and able to accommodate the traffic flow of up to 12,000 Ring Day attendees,” said Kathryn Greenwade, assistant executive director of communications and human resources for The Assocation of Former Students. “The Association looks forward to welcoming Ring Day back to the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center in April 2009, once the first phase of our building enhancement project is completed.”

The location of the occasion, though, is a minute detail for the Aggies about to receive a ring. For most of them, the day is more about the people than the place, as it gives them the chance to celebrate accomplishments with loved ones and the Aggie community.

“The day isn’t just about the ring for me,” Molitor said. “It’s about the friends and family and the support of my fellow Aggie community that have gotten me to this point, and being able to share this day with them is what I am most excited about.”

“I am a third generation Aggie and [the ring] unites my family in a way that few others get to experience,” Albers said. “Also, I am the 12th person to get my Aggie ring in my family and that it an important number at this school, so it makes me even more proud to be getting my ring.”

Those receiving rings Friday can begin picking up ring tickets at the G. Rollie White Coliseum ticket booth at 7:15 a.m. Ring Distribution will commence at 3 p.m.