Virginia Tech Class of 2024 Brochure

The Virginia Tech class ring invokes and embodies the memories, traditions, and pride that tie Hokies of all generations together. Dating back to the 1911-1912 school year, when the classes of 1911 through 1914 designed four unique rings, the Ring Tradition allows every Virginia Tech class the opportunity to create a reminder of their years at this university.

The sophomore Class Officers select a Ring Design Committee responsible for the design and marketing of our class ring collection, adding elements that reflect our shared experiences. Today, Virginia Tech is one of only a few colleges and universities that redesigns their ring collection each year.

One hundred and fifty years since Virginia Tech’s first student, Addison Caldwell, walked 26 miles from his hometown to register at the newly established Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, the small, all white, all-male military institution has evolved to a large research university, Virginia Tech, diverse in both educational programming and the students and international community it serves. The Class of 2024 is excited to engage in the Sesquicentennial celebrations in honor of 150 years of transformation and service of Virginia Tech to Virginia, the U.S., and the world. To celebrate this juncture in Virginia Tech history, the Class of 2024 is proud to include on their ring the 1872 University side, now a permanent recognition of the most beloved and treasured traditional elements that represent Virginia Tech, and bring forward this new design into the next 150 years.

CLASS

BARBARA

BARBARA J. PENDERGRASS ’87 PHD VIRGINIA TECH DEAN OF STUDENTS 1998-2003

BLACK DEAN OF STUDENTS

Photo Credit: Jason Liu

RING COLLECTION NAMESAKE

Daughter of a South Carolina cotton and tobacco farm family, Pendergrass picked cotton next to her mother who died when she was just 16. She cites this event and the powerful lessons imparted from her mom as the catalyst that propelled her into educational excellence and service in higher education. Pendergrass’s calling has been to serve students to help them achieve their educational goals as well as a holistic view of their sense of self for success in life ahead.

Pendergrass earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling with a concentration in mental health from Fort Valley State College in South Carolina before becoming a counselor, financial aid officer, and veteran affairs officer at a community college in Florida.

She moved to Blacksburg in 1979 to work as a counselor for minority students and as a staff counselor at Virginia Tech while attending school part-time. She earned a doctorate in counselor education at Tech in 1987. She then served as assistant to the vice president for student affairs from 1989 to 1995, as associate dean of students until 1998 when she became the first Black woman to serve as dean of students at Virginia Tech.

Her strong belief in ‘collective wisdom’ meant that all staff viewpoints were included in decision making for the office and was at the heart of her work with Virginia Tech students. Staff members who served with Pendergrass remember the many quiet and unheralded ways she supported Virginia Tech’s students, buying them lunch or providing them funds when there was a need.

Her legacy at Virginia Tech includes a number of initiatives that originated in her office: Safe Zones, which are areas on campus where the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and connected to the university; the annual Diversity Summit; the Diversity Roundtable; and Multicultural Fellows, a program providing faculty and staff members with an opportunity to help with the university’s promotion of diversity efforts. She was critical to the success of the Black Cultural Center which opened at Squires Student Center in 1991, serving as the model for five additional cultural centers in the years to follow.

Pendergrass was most proud of the Student Voices group, a precursor to the student council group that now serves the vice president for student affairs.

Even after her retirement in 2003, she has continued to serve Virginia Tech as a member of the Council of Virginia Tech History and more recently as a panelist for the Student Affairs 100 Years of Women Celebration in April of 2022. She resides in Roanoke, Virginia with her husband Reverend Archie Richmond.

CLASS SPONSOR

CLASS SPONSOR

DR. BRANDY FAULKNER GLORIA D. SMITH PROFESSOR OF BLACK STUDIES COLLEGIATE ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Inspiring students to surpass their own expectations for learning, intellectual development, and personal growth, Dr. Brandy S. Faulkner, the Gloria D. Smith Professor of Black Studies at Virginia Tech as well as collegiate assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, is a respected faculty member.

Dr. Faulkner has received numerous awards, including the Teaching Excellence Award from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and the Diggs Teaching Scholar Award. She currently teaches courses in public administration, constitutional and administrative law, research methods, and the politics of race, ethnicity, and gender.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 2012, Faulkner has worked to promote an appreciation of diversity, inclusiveness,

and collaboration on campus and in the greater New River Valley, such as holding open office hours in the Black Cultural Center for underrepresented students to talk about personal or academic issues. Faulkner’s passion is helping grassroots and social change-based organizations. Her new video game - Team Yellow - teaches community activists and organizers who are working to create social, political, and economic change how to understand and build power for the decision-making process.

“Effective education connects our learning to needs and problems in the communities we serve. It’s neither an equalizer nor the consummate solution, but it can make a difference in how we think about, process, and respond to the world around us.”

Photo Credit: Leslie King

PRESIDENT

COLIN ROBERTS

The Ring Tradition is the physical embodiment of all that makes our class, our class. The various unique aspects from the smallest to the largest detail all tie-in some way, shape, or form, to who we are as Class of 2024 and our shared experiences and memories. In all that we have been through together, we were able to make our time at Virginia Tech something memorable. Standing strong through adversity and hardship, and making a name for ourselves, our class and ring truly embodies our motto of ‘Incepto ne Desistam’ or ‘May I not shrink from my purpose’.

RING DESIGN CHAIR YOLLANDE DJOSSOU

The Ring Tradition embodies our class’s unity through shared memories and experiences at Virginia Tech. Our class ring is a physical reminder of our academic achievements and the exciting moments that made us feel at “Home.” This ring also serves as a reminder of our time here and what the future holds for us. It is a great honor to support and continue a treasured Virginia Tech tradition.

RING DANCE CHAIR ERIN HIGHLAND

The Ring Dance is a true celebration of what it means to be a Hokie. We are so excited to bring this tradition to the Class of 2024, connecting us to all the Hokies who have come before. It is an honor to play a part in this tradition which is so unique to the fabric of our school.

DESIGN

TRADITION MADE NEW

The interlocking chain, a feature on the ring bezel since 1940, changed to one of Hokie tracks with the Class of 2015 ring. The chain represents each class with the strength of many united as one. The University side depicts the most traditional elements dating to the earliest Virginia Tech rings, including the screaming eagle, crossed sabres, U.S. and Commonwealth of Virginia flags. The Class side of the Virginia Tech ring is redesigned each year by the Ring Design Committee of the sophomore class, with elements specific to the experience of that class. The overall ring collection, which includes signet and fashion rings, is also selected by the committee.

CONSTRUCTION

A CUSTOM CREATION

The Ring Design Committee chose the most important elements to reflect the Class of 2024 experience and preserve the rich history of past class rings. In partnership with Balfour, and after many meetings and sketches, the committee presented its work to an artist who professionally rendered the design, which then was digitized into a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. From this file, a wax version of the ring was modeled for final approval by the committee. The “lost wax process” is used with a master mold to make the detailed rings that Hokies cherish. Each 2024 ring is made to order, passing through the skilled hands of at least 30 expert craftsmen & women and is subject to seven detailed inspections to ensure it meets all quality standards.

1. CASCADES.

CLASS SIDE

The roaring water of the Cascades welcomes Hokies to the New River Valley, and hiking to the falls is an activity many students enjoy.

2. BLACKSBURG SUNSET.

Allowing for some of the best views of campus, a colorful sunset is cast across Virginia Tech.

3. APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS.

The mountains surrounding Blacksburg form the beloved backdrop to Southwest Virginia and a signal to Hokies upon their arrival on campus.

4. FIREWORKS.

Fireworks can be seen exploding over campus during Sesquicentennial and many other campus events and traditions.

5. MOON (EXIT LIGHT ENTER NIGHT).

Symbolizes the first words to the chorus of “Enter Sandman”: “Exit Light, Enter Night” which evokes the feelings of unity and excitement as Hokies jump at various athletic and university events.

6. LANE HALL.

A symbol of Virginia Tech’s military history, Lane Hall is a landmark on campus that represents the Class of 2024’s connection to the sesquicentennial celebrations held on campus during our sophomore year.

7. LANE STADIUM.

The stands of Lane Stadium read “This Is Home.” Get ready to start jumping, it’s football season in Blacksburg!

8. PARATROOPERS WITH SIX FLAGS.

In the skies, three paratroopers sweep toward the field of Lane Stadium to kick off our first football game on September 3, 2021. They carry six flags that represent the six cultural and diversity centers located in Squires Student Center, their creation inspired by the work of Dr. Pendergrass, our class ring namesake.

9. SMITHFIELD® BACON.

The Smithfield® Sizzle has become a key part of the game day experience in Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum. Winners receive free Smithfield® bacon for shaking their tail feathers on camera.

10. SCOREBOARD (17–10). The score of our first in-person home football game, the scoreboard reads 17 - 10 to remind us of our victory over UNC.

11. SKIPPER CANNON. The Skipper Cannon fires off on the field as continuing tradition to announce another Hokies touchdown!”

12. GROWLEY II AND STRYKER. With the retirement of Growley II, Stryker has some big paw prints to fill, but we know this good boy will do a great job.

13. HOKIE TRACKS.

Hokie tracks emerge from the North End Zone, representing our return to Lane Stadium after a year hiatus in 2020.

14. CXIV (114). These Roman Numerals represent our class ring’s place as the 114th ring and its connection to the larger class ring tradition.

15. COMMONWEALTH CUP. The Commonwealth Cup stays in Blacksburg after a Hokie Football victory over UVA. OUR STATE.

16. LANE STADIUM NORTH MAN. Celebrating our 29 - 24 win over UVA the Hokies claimed a new Lane Stadium North located in Charlottesville, VA.

17. CLASS MOTTO BANNERS. Our class motto “Incepto Ne Desistam” reminds us that “May I Not Shrink From My Purpose.”.

18. CIVILIAN BEANIE. In honor of many cold trips across the Drillfield, and a symbol of civilian students and alumni.

19. HANDS SUPPORTING EARTH. Two hands support the Earth, celebrating our class as one of the most diverse in Virginia Tech history.

20. CLASS LOGO.

Our Class logo, a creative and unique take on the Roman Numeral for 24 (XXIV) unites our class as one.

21. POPCORN AND BASKETBALL.

In honor of Coach Young and Hokie’s Mens Basketball becoming ACC Champions for the first time in our university’s history! Not only did they defend the Cassell, they conquered our rivals’ courts. Way to go team!

22. STAR OF LIFE.

The Star of Life pays tribute to the healthcare workers and first responders serving globally and within the Blacksburg community.

23. TOWN OF BLACKSBURG 16 SQUARES LOGO. Commonly found throughout downtown Blacksburg, the 16 Squares of Blacksburg pays homage to the creation of Blacksburg and the connection between the town and campus.

24. FIGHTING GOBBLER. The Fighting Gobbler unites generations of Virginia Tech students and alumni who gather in Blacksburg for campus wide festivities.

25. SNOWFLAKES.

Two snowflakes remind us of the many winter themed events that took place on the Drillfield during our time on campus.

26. CADET WHEEL COVER. In honor of Virginia Tech’s military legacy and a symbol of cadet students and alumni.

27. DUMPSTER FIRE. A snapshot from a moment in our Spring 2021 semester, a dumpster fire roars representing our burning passion to make campus a better place for all.

UNIVERSITY SIDE

1. EIGHT STARS.

Eight stars recognize the eight Virginia Tech alumni recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award bestowed upon a member of the U.S. Armed Forces for selfless service to the nation.

2. U.S. FLAG.

The U.S. Flag represents the ideal of democracy and freedom that we strive towards as a nation.

3. COMMONWEALTH FLAG OF VIRGINIA

As a land-grant university, Virginia Tech proudly displays the flag of the Commonwealth.

4. BURRUSS HALL

Named to honor Julian Burruss, Class of 1898, the university’s 8th president, Burruss Hall hosts many exciting events including guest speakers, concerts, and Ring Premiere.

5. UT PROSIM

The university’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) was established in 1896 and remains an enduring principle of Virginia Tech.

6. TORGERSEN BRIDGE

Named for the university’s 14th president, Paul Torgersen, Torgersen Bridge acts as a symbolic gateway to campus.

7. THE CORPS OF CADETS CREST

The Corps Crest, designed by Col. Harry D Temple ‘34, represents the tradition that the university was founded on as an all-cadet military academy.

8. THE UNIVERSITY SHIELD

Established in 1896, the University Shield’s four quadrants depict the Great Seal of Commonwealth: the surveyor’s level and leveling rod, a standing ear of corn, and a chemical retort and graduate, which represent the agricultural and mechanical emphasis in the university’s early history.

9. THE 1872 SHIELD

The 1872 shield marks the founding year of Virginia Tech as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, and replicates the shield found on the first-ever class ring in 1911.

10. THE PYLONS OF THE WAR MEMORIAL

Engraved on the Pylons are the core values of Virginia Tech: Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim.

11. THE CENOTAPH

In the center of the War Memorial, The Cenotaph bears the names of Virginia Tech alumni awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

12. LEST WE FORGET

These words are etched on “The Rock”, a memorial on Upper Quad, to honor Virginia Tech alumni who gave their lives in military service during World War I.

13. SCREAMING EAGLE

Featured on every class ring since 1911, the screaming eagle is a majestic symbol of strength and courage.

14. CROSSED SABRES

A feature of the earliest Virginia Tech class rings, the crossed sabers serve as a reminder of the university’s military heritage, history, and tradition.

15. THREE STARS

Three stars represent past, present, and future Hokies, who carry Virginia Tech spirit and traditions throughout their lives.

Established as a Class of 1964 anniversary program, Hokie Gold is melted from donated Virginia Tech alumni rings and included in current class rings. Since 2012, the Hokie Gold melt ceremony has been held at the Kroehling Advancement Foundry, also known as VT FIRE, a campus laboratory for students in materials science and engineering. Since the original melt, a small portion of the donated gold is saved out to be included in the next melt, ensuring that each class will have a portion of the original Hokie Gold.

HOKIE GOLD TRADITION SPRING FESTIVAL

In Spring of 2022, the Class of 2024 hosted a new tradition for the sophomore class, the inaugural Spring Festival. This new event provided fun activities and presented the unique aspects of the class such as its motto, colors, and logo along with the class sponsor and ring namesake.

RING DESIGN COMMITEE

BACK ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Cale Newton–Ring Design Committee Member, Christopher Hall–Cadet Member-at-Large, Colin Roberts–Class President, Adam Gentile–Ring Design Committee Member, Jason Brown–Male Member-at-Large, Madison Fleming–Female Member-at-Large, Yollande Djossou–Ring Design Chair. Erin Highland–Ring Dance Chair.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

BACK TO FRONT LEFT TO RIGHT

BACK ROW 1: William Storey, Adyan Atiq, William McClennan, Stratis Bohle.

BACK ROW 2: Mason Stanley, David Cox, Cale Newton, Colin Roberts.

TOP MIDDLE ROW: Mary Elizabeth Avera, Sumayya Gumus, Madison Fleming, Erin Highland.

MIDDLE ROW 1: Jason Brown, Lauren Lenhard, Dani Villarroel, Leah Solomon.

MIDDLE ROW 2: Adam Gentile, Divya Rathore Singh, Jordan Williams, Mikayla Dolo-Pittman, Claudia Budzyn.

FRONT ROW: Tatiana Kay, Nicholas Swetz, Kylie Arnold, Yollande Djossou. Not Pictured: Christopher Hall, Ezra Silverburg, Elle Smith.

RING DANCE WEEKEND

24-25, 2023

SQUIRES

BALLROOM

Established by the Cadets of the Class of 1935, in the middle of the Great Depression, Ring Dance remains a beloved and lasting tradition at Virginia Tech, now celebrated by a large and diverse student body. The impact of World War II, the draft, and the accelerated program to graduate cadets more quickly meant that there would be two ring dances in 1942. The Ring Dance (and publication of The Bugle yearbook) was thereafter cancelled “for the duration” of the war. The first post-war Ring Dance was held in 1947.

In spring of 2022, post-pandemic, both the Class of 2022 and Class of 2023 hosted their respective dance events in the same week in March.

Juniors who purchase a ring will be eligible to receive Ring Dance tickets, required for attendance. Couples receive ribbons in their class colors, used to tie each other’s rings on their wrists. The celebration includes a ceremonial Class Ring presentation in the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom.

On Friday night, the Corps of Cadets will perform time-honored rituals, in place since 1934, marching into the ballroom to form the Ring Figure of their graduating class, followed by the formation of the Sabre Arch. Under this arch, first year Cadets escort each Junior Cadets date.

“Moonlight and V.P.I.,” a song written for the 1942 Ring Dance by renowned big band leader Fred Waring, with lyrics by Charles Gaynor, is performed in the background as rings are presented to class members. At the conclusion of the song, hundreds of balloons float down over the students below.

After the Saturday dance, the Corps Gregory Guard stands guard at the Pylons while two buglers from the Signal Corps plays “Echo Taps.” Then the Skipper Cannon is fired over the Drillfield. The grand finale of the weekend takes place after the Saturday night dance with a spectacular fireworks display over the Drillfield, signaling another full circle of a treasured University tradition.

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Gold $2,005 $1,758 $1,523 $1,276 $695 $695 $708 $832 $587 $509 $538 $538 $498 $498 $520 $498 $498 $588

Gold $2,707 $2,351 $1,986 $1,630 $839 $839 $858 $1,062 $645 $523 $563 $563 $513 $513 $535 $513 $513 $603

calculate the amount of metal used to manufacture your custom Virginia Tech Class Ring. So as the pennyweight increases, so does the weight and thickness of your ring.

WARRANTY

LENGTHS AND CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE REGARDING DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP:

The rings are warranted to be free of defects in workmanship and materials.

LENGTH AND SCOPE OF GUARANTEE REGARDING STONES AND STONE DECORATION:

Any damaged simulated stone will be replaced at no charge regardless of the cause of damage.

CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR RING RESIZING AND RING ADJUSTMENTS:

The ring will be resized at any time at no charge.

CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED RINGS:

If, through normal wear and tear, a ring is worn beyond satisfaction, it may be exchanged for a new ring. There is no charge for this remake. If a ring is damaged beyond satisfaction outside of these parameters, another ring can be purchased for the cost of Balfour’s existing remake charge.

CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR ORDERING ADDITIONAL RINGS:

Additional rings may be ordered at any time. After December 31, 2024, the rings may be ordered at the prevailing price at the time of order. The prevailing price will be determined according to the cost of gold and stones at the time of ordering.

CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR CHANGES IN ACADEMIC COLLEGE DESTINATION:

A classmate who changes colleges at VT after a ring is purchased may return the ring one-time to be remade with proper college designation at no charge

REFUND POLICY FOR RINGS RETURNED FOR STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO GRADUATE WITH THE CLASS DESIGNATED ON THE RING:

A classmate who fails to graduate with their Class may return the ring for a full refund less processing fees.

RESPONSIBILITY AND PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF WARRANTY CLAUSES:

The Ring Design Committee will resolve disputes as to the validity of the warranty clauses. With Balfour’s philosophy that the customer is always right, such arbitration by the Committee should never be necessary.

CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR RESTORING RING FINISH: Should a classmate not be totally satisfied with his or her original choice of finish, refinishing would be completed at no charge.

CONDITIONS ON HOW REPAIRS ARE MADE, WHOM TO CONTACT, AND HOW SHIPPING RATES ARE HANDLED:

Prior to graduation, service dates will be established to handle any adjustments. All shipping, handling and insurance costs will be the responsibility of Balfour during these sessions.s

CLASS PROGRAMS ADVISED BY STUDENT AND YOUNG ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT.