VIRGINIA TECH RING COLLECTION
WEAR THE TRADITION
The Virginia Tech class ring embodies and invokes memories, traditions and pride that tie Hokies, young and old, together. The tradition began during the 1911–1912 school session when four classes (1911–1914) designed their rings. Since the beginning, each Virginia Tech class has designed a ring distinctive and unique to its class. Today, Virginia Tech is one of only a few colleges and universities that redesign their ring collection each year. Each year, the sophomore class officers select a Ring Design Committee responsible for designing and marketing their class ring collection, adding elements that reflect their class experiences on the class side. All ring designs have an eagle and crossed sabres or rifles, usually found on the university side, which symbolize the military heritage and traditions of the Corps of Cadets. The chain links that have encircled the ring bezel on Virginia Tech rings since 1940 represent class unity, the strength of many united as one. Since 1991, the design process has included the recognition of a distinguished alumnus, alumna, university president, or administrator. The design, collection, and namesake are presented to the class during the fall of their junior year at Ring Premiere. The Class of 2019 recognizes Thomas C. Tillar Jr. ’69 as our ring collection namesake.
MEMENTO VIVERE
Remember to Live
Class colors: emerald green, light grey, snow white, gold
RING COLLECTION NAMESAKE
Thomas C. Tillar Jr. ’69
B.S. Biology
1973, M.A. Leadership, Counseling, Residential Life
1978, Ed.D. Education, Leadership, Counseling, Residential Life
Special Assistant to the Dean, Pamplin College of Business
Former Vice President of Alumni Relations
member of the Virginia Tech Class of 1969, Tom Tillar joins several high-profile classmates, university president emeritus Charles Steger, former football coach Frank Beamer, and senior fellow and chief executive officer emeritus Ray Smoot as a Class Ring Namesake honoree. Like his classmates, Tillar has spent nearly all of his career serving his alma mater with distinction. A native of Emporia and son of Hokie alumnus Thomas “Cato” Tillar ’45, Virginia, Tillar earned a bachelor’s in biological sciences, a master’s in student personnel services, and a doctor of education degree, all from Virginia Tech.
Tillar began his Virginia Tech career in 1971 in what is now the Division of Student Affairs, and in 1975, joined the Virginia Tech Alumni Association staff. He held several positions in alumni and development, including director of alumni chapter programs, director of corporate and foundation support, director of alumni annual giving, and director of alumni
relations, before being appointed vice president for alumni relations in 1995.
While leading the university’s alumni engagement initiatives, Tillar established staffing for college and constituency programs and incorporated studentclass-officer leadership into alumni relations. He helped plan, design, and raise funds for the Holtzman Alumni Center, which opened in 2005. In 2007, at the request of former President Charles Steger, Tillar formed and chaired the committee that oversaw creation of the April 16 Memorial on the Drillfield in front of Burruss Hall.
In 2015, President Tim Sands called on Tillar to serve as interim senior vice president for advancement during a reorganization that combined the Office of Development and University Relations and the Office of Alumni Relations into a single Division of Advancement. Tillar stepped down as vice president for alumni relations in December 2015. He continues to serve his alma mater as special assistant to Pamplin College of Business Dean Robert Sumichrast and is involved with planning and preparation for the university’s Global Business and Analytics Complex.
For his exceptional dedication to higher education advancement, shown throughout his 46-year career at Virginia Tech, Tillar was recognized in July 2017 with the prestigious Frank L. Ashmore Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, widely known as CASE. Tillar has been active in CASE
throughout his career, presenting at national and district conferences, and serving on the CASE Alumni Commission. He completed the CASE certificate program in alumni relations, and earned the certified fundraising executive designation conveyed by what is now the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He served as a member of the Council of Alumni Association Executives for 20 years.
The Class of 2019 marks 50 years since the Class of 1969, and the ring design committee is very proud to honor Dr. Tillar as their Ring Collection Namesake.
“… I’ve been blessed to work for my university over my entire career. It’s always meant so much personally to be able to serve in the spirit of our motto, Ut Prosim, and help hundreds of thousands of our alumni stay connected with their university and with each other.” ~Tom Tillar ’69
WELCOME FROM DR. PERILLO
Dear Class of 2019,
“Always uphold the importance of community as you make the most of your Virginia Tech experience.”
I am honored and joy-filled to serve as your class sponsor! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
The Virginia Tech class ring tradition is a virtuous representation of Hokie pride. The ring not only represents an academic milestone but the unique out-of-classroom and personal growth experiences that have transformed you into a Hokie.
My colleagues and I in the Division of Student Affairs continue to journey with you every step of the way, from orientation to graduation and beyond. Our Aspirations for Student Learning are pillars that can lead to a life of meaning and well-being. Remember to reflect on these experiences and to always uphold the importance and value of community as you make the most of your Virginia Tech experience.
Congratulations on this momentous occasion of your Junior year. I cannot wait to celebrate this special year with you!
Patty Perillo, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Patricia (Patty) A. Perillo is Vice President for Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Virginia Tech, providing leadership and oversight for more than 20 departments and administrative units in the Division of Student Affairs. She is committed to ensuring transformative learning experiences for students whose lives are at the center of her work. As a renowned scholar-practitioner in higher education for nearly 30 years, having served at six other institutions of higher learning and president of an international higher education association, Dr. Perillo has been actively engaged in all aspects of college life. She obtained her doctoral degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware.
Class President
Ring Chair
Dance Chair
“We must never forget how lucky each and every one of us are to be here at Virginia Tech. Appreciate every day we have together, because one day we will all part ways ready to make the world a better place.”
Billy Lin President, Class of 2019
“Being part of this tradition is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced or done before. It’s stressful, hectic and amazing all at the same time.”
Lily Bloomberg Ring Chair, Class of 2019
“Ring Dance marks the transition into the end of your career at Virginia Tech but this dance and our rings binds us, the Class of 2019, together forever. “
Arjan Peters Dance Chair, Class of 2019
RING DESIGN PROCESS
CONSTRUCTION A Custom Creation
The Ring Design Committee chose the most important elements to reflect the Class of 2019 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 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 2019 ring is made to order, passing through the skilled hands of at least 30 craftsmen and women and is subjected to seven detailed inspections to ensure it meets all quality standards.
INTERLOCKING CHAIN OF 32 HOKIE TRACKS
MOUNTAIN AND WEATHER LANDSCAPE
SKIPPER CANNON
WATER TOWER GROWLEY II
JUMBOTRON
HOKIE NATION FLAG
ACC LOGO
LANE HALL
INTERLOCKING CHAIN OF 32 HOKIE TRACKS
A chain of 32 tracks circle the bezel of the ring in remembrance of those lost on April 16, 2007.
MOUNTAIN AND WEATHER LANDSCAPE
The mountains and array of seasons portray the wild weather that Blacksburg experiences almost every day.
SKIPPER CANNON
A tradition at Tech football games, the Skipper cannon is a familiar sight and sound at Hokie football games, echoing the joy of every Hokie touchdown
GROWLEY II
Representing our Corps’ newest ambassador, Growley II traces his legacy to the Great Depression when members of the Corps would save part of their meals so they could feed their beloved furry companion
WATER TOWER
The Flint water tower represents the impact Virginia Tech has had on solving the water crisis in Flint, Michigan; truly embodying our motto Ut Prosim
JUMBOTRON
The jumbotron, towering above the North End Zone with the score 1-0 is not just a nod to the first winning season of our new head coach, Justin Fuente, but to Fuente’s credo that we should do whatever it takes every day to accomplish goals and go 1-0, whether for academics, team workouts, practices, interviews, or games.
HOKIE NATION FLAG
The flag conveys the passion Hokies have for the Blacksburg community. #ThisIsHome
ACC LOGO
The ACC logo pays tribute to the incredible successes of our Student-Athletes and Virginia Tech Athletics during our time as Hokies.
LANE AND PEARSON HALLS
Barracks number 1, named for the first commandant of cadets
General James H. Lane, is mirrored by the newest Corps barracks, Pearson Hall, connecting the rich traditions and history of the Corps and university’s storied past to the present, and into the future.
HOKIEBIRD
FINISHED TURKEY LEG AND KEY IN CUP
COMMONWEALTH CUP
HOKIEBIRD #25 HELMET
LUNCH PAIL
EARTHQUAKE CRACK
CHECKERED FLAG
CLASS OF 2019 MOTTO
CLASS OF 2019 LOGO
PEARSON HALL
CXLV
The university mascot HokieBird gazes over the class side of the ring as an ever present symbol of Hokie spirit and a reminder that in everything we do we represent our beloved alma mater Virginia Tech.
FINISHED TURKEY LEG AND KEY IN CUP
Eating a turkey leg and shaking keys for a ‘key play’ on the offensive third down are among the special traditions at a Hokie football game.
COMMONWEALTH CUP
The Commonwealth Cup represents the 13 consecutive victories over state rival University of Virginia.
#25 HELMET
The football helmet, adorned with the number 25, represents and honors the retirement of football legend, Frank Beamer.
LUNCH PAIL
The lunch pail represents the unwavering defense and blue collar roots of Virginia Tech football culture, and the man that continues to lead this successful program, Bud Foster.
EARTHQUAKE CRACK
When all of Lane Stadium starts jumping, Hokie Spirit registers on the seismograph as an earthquake.
CHECKERED FLAG
A checkered flag recalls the record-breaking attendance at the Battle at Bristol football game.
CLASS OF 2019 MOTTO - MEMENTO VIVERE
Reminds us to “Remember to Live” life to the fullest.
2019 CLASS LOGO
The logo is modeled after the old VPI logo that was adopted when the university’s name was changed to Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
CXLV
The Class of 2019 is the 145th class to graduate from the university.
AMERICAN FLAG
CORPS OF CADET SHIELD
UT PROSIM
UNIVERSITY SIDE
COMMONWEALTH FLAG OF VIRGINIA
APRIL 16TH MEMORIAL
AMERICAN FLAG
FLAMING VT PYLONS
CROSSED SABRES MMXIX
Depicted on the left eagle wing, the U.S. flag represents the pride, freedom, and history of this country. Seven stars recognize the seven Virginia Tech alumni recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award a member of the U.S. armed forces can receive for selfless service to the nation.
SCREAMING EAGLE
Featured on every ring since 1911, the screaming eagle is a majestic symbol of strength and courage.
CORPS OF CADET SHIELD
The Corps Crest, designed by Harry D. Temple ’34, represents the very tradition that the university was founded upon as an all-cadet military college.
UT PROSIM
Etched into the steps of the War Memorial, the University’s motto UT PROSIM (That I May Serve) was established in 1896 and remains an enduring principle of Virginia Tech.
PYLONS OF THE WAR MEMORIAL
The Pylons evoke Virginia Tech’s core values of Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim.
APRIL 16TH MEMORIAL
Ten years later, we remember April 16 and honor 32 fallen Hokies as well as acknowledge the strength of the Hokie Nation.
FLAMING VT
The Flaming VT is a Corps homecoming tradition symbolizing the incredible Hokie spirit shared by civilian and cadet students
CROSSED SABRES
An original feature on the earliest Virginia Tech class rings, the sabres serve as a strong reminder of the university’s military heritage, history, and tradition.
MMXIX
The Class of 2019 as shown in Roman Numerals.
BURRUSS HALL
UNIVERSITY SHIELD
WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH
UNIVERSITY LOGOS
LEST WE FORGET
THREE STARS
1872
HOKIE STONE SCREAMING EAGLE
COMMONWEALTH FLAG OF VIRGINIA
As a land-grant university in Virginia, the flag of the Commonwealth is proudly displayed on the right wing of the eagle.
BURRUSS HALL
An iconic Hokie stone landmark completed in 1936, Burruss Hall sits proudly on the Drillfield as the historic foundation of campus.
UNIVERSITY SHIELD
Originally created 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, representing the agricultural and mechanical emphasis in the university’s early history.
WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH
Hokies embrace the empowering slogan “We are Virginia Tech” as it emboldens our community with courage to endure tragedy, and to triumph.
UNIVERSITY LOGOS
The transition in the university logos represents the growth of Virginia Tech, from the very first “VP” to the “VPI” to the most recent VT.
LEST WE FORGET
These words are etched on “The Rock”, a memorial stone located on Upper Quad, honors the Virginia Tech alumni who gave their lives in defense of this country during World War 1.
THREE STARS
The three stars represent past, present, and future Hokies who will carry the Virginia Tech traditions with them throughout their lives.
1872
Virginia Tech was founded in 1872 as a land grant, agricultural and mechanical, military college.
HOKIE STONE
The Hokie Stone depicted on the shanks of the ring remind the students of the neo-gothic architecture and stonework seen all around the campus, on buildings old and new.
CLASS OF 2019
BEZEL OPTIONS FOR THE TILLAR RING
Thomas C. Tillar Jr ‘69 Ring Collection
J.E. KILBOURNE
E.S. BABCOCK
TILLAR OVAL TOP
TILLAR STADIUM TOP
P.D. WARD
TILLAR SQUARE TOP
SQUARE TOP
STADIUM TOP
OVAL TOP
CLASS OF 2019
The 2019 collection has been named for members of the 1969 Ring Design Committee.
Thomas C. Tillar Jr ‘69 Ring Collection
S.L. JAMISON
C.W. STEGER
J.W. MILKS
M.J. GIGUERE
W.F. MILLER
HOKIE GOLD TRADITION
Established as a Class of 1964 anniversary program, Hokie Gold, melted from donated Virginia Tech alumni rings is included in current class rings. Since 2012, the Hokie Gold melt ceremony has been held at the Kroehling Advanced Materials 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 portion of the original Hokie Gold. The Class of 2019 design committee participated in the melt held on July 26, 2017. Donated rings from 1951, 1961, 1962, and 1969 were included in this year’s gold melt.
RING DESIGN COMMITTEE
Back to Front, Left to Right:
Colin McGuire, Committee Member; Billy Lin, President; Jack Holland, Cadet Member-at-Large; Ryan Niblock, Male Member-at-Large; Arjan Peters, Ring Dance Chair; Lily Bloomberg, Ring Design Chair; Allie Duran, Committee Member; Tori Upton, Female Member-at-Large
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Back to Front, Left to Right:
Row 1: Sam Miller, Matthew Lazor, Gordon Quach, Jack Holland, Connor McLaren
Row 2: Louie Buchen, Billy Lin, Grant Briers, Arjan Peters, Colin McGuire, Ben Nicoll, Ryan Niblock
Row 3: Kelley Crennan, Annie Plaster, Kate Avdellas, Katherine DiDinato
Row 4: Allie Duran, Kelsey Muir, Alyssa Herbst, Julia Whitacre, Kathryn Thompson
Row 5: Alaina Garren, Tori Upton, Lily Bloomberg, Christina Flear, Alex Capizzi, Kristen Cranham
RING DANCE
RING DANCE WEEKEND
MARCH 23-24, 2018
Established by the Class of 1935, Ring Dance is one of the most beloved and lasting traditions at Virginia Tech. The Ring Dance weekend takes place in the spring of a student’s junior year.
The dance is now held on two nights, with Juniors choosing to attend either Friday or Saturday evening. The celebration each night includes a ceremonial ring presentation in Squires Commonwealth Ballroom. Couples receive ribbons in their class colors, used to tie each other’s rings on their wrists for their ring presentation.
For both dance nights, time-honored rituals are performed by the Corps of Cadets as they have since 1934. On Friday night, junior Cadets march into the ballroom to form the Ring Figure of their graduating class, followed by the formation of the Sabre Arch. Under this arch, freshmen Cadets escort each Cadet’s date. On Saturday night, a special Corps Sabre Arch is performed. The president of the university ceremonially announces the formal presentation of the rings. “Moonlight and V.P.I,” a song written specifically for the Ring Dance in 1942 by renown big band leader Fred Waring, with lyrics by Charles Gaynor, is performed in the background as rings are presented to class members. For most junior Cadets, this is the first view of their class ring, since they have been picked up and then hidden by their freshmen escorts until the dance. At the conclusion of the song, hundreds of balloons are released on civilians and students below.
At the end of the Friday night dance, the Corps Gregory Guard stands guard at the Pylons while ‘Echo Taps’ is played by the two buglers from the Signal Corps. Then the Skipper Cannon fires on the Drillfield to end Friday’s ceremony. The grand finale of the weekend takes place after the Saturday night dance at midnight with a spectacular show of fireworks over the Drillfield, with students watching from the War Memorial.
Payment Options:
• PAYMENT IN FULL: Your payment may be with cash, check, credit card, or a combination of all of the above.
• TIME PAYMENT: Your balance will be divided into 2, 4, or 6 equal payments on your MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express and charged at 30-day intervals until the balance is paid in full.
S.L.
Genuine Stone Pricing
London
Garnet Amethyst Aquamarine White Spinel Emerald Alexandrite Ruby Peridot Blue Spinel Green Tourmaline Topaz Blue Zircon
WARRANTY
LENGTHS AND CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE REGARDING DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP:
The rings are warranted to be free of defect 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, 2018, the rings may be ordered at the prevailing price at time of order. Prevailing price will be determined according to 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 Virginia Tech after a ring is purchased may return the ring to be remade with proper 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 Class dues.
RESPONSIBILITY AND PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF WARRANTY CLAUSES: Disputes as to the validity of the warranty clauses will be resolved by the Ring Design Committee. 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.
ALMA MATER
Sing praise to Alma Mater dear, For V.P.I. we’ll ever cheer; Come lift your voices, swell the song, Our loyalties to her belong. So stand and sing, all hail to thee. VT, all hail to thee.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University