Virginia Tech Class of 2014 Ring Brochure

V IRGINI A POLY T ECHNIC INSTIT U T E A ND STAT E UNI V ER SIT Y ©Balfour 1970–2012, all rights reserved.

BID100VT-0012 19064 08.12

Virginia Tech CLASS OF 2014 Ring Collection

CLASS MOTTO

Magnitudo apparet ex passione Through Passion Greatness Emerges

Class Colors: Plum Purple, Jade and Silver

TRADITION The Virginia Tech class ring embodies and invokes memories, traditions and pride that tie Hokies, young and old, together. The tradition began in 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 sabers or rifles, usually found on the university side, which symbolizes 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 or university president. The design, collection, and namesake are announced to the class during the fall of their junior year at Ring Premiere. The Class of 2014 recognizes Daniel W. Bird Jr. ’60 as their ring collection namesake.

2014 Class Sponsor Dr. John E. Dooley, Virginia Tech Foundation Chief Executive Officer M.A. ’94, PhD ’98 Liberal Arts & Human Sciences John E. Dooley began his new role in July 2012 as chief executive officer and university treasurer for the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc., responsible for managing financial assets and debt of the university and its related corporations; serving as the liaison between the university and its related corporations, and managing assets of nearly $1.2 billion. As CEO for the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc., Dooley is a member of the board of trustees of the Roanoke Higher Education Center, the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission, the Roanoke Regional Airport and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

Prior to this, Dooley served as vice president for outreach and international affairs from 2003 to 2012. In this role, Dooley provided leadership and vision as he headed Virginia Tech’s pursuit into an aggressive global presence, more than tripling the number of students who annually study abroad, growing its active sponsored international research and development portfolio to over $70 million, and establishing five international centers. He was also responsible for Virginia Tech’s domestic engagement enterprise, including the development of the university’s off-campus graduate centers, continuing and professional education and economic development programs, as well as the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center.

Dooley has worked at Virginia Tech since 1982, when he served as Director of the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, first becoming the Executive Director of the Virginia 4-H Foundation (1991-95), followed by Associate Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension (1995-2001), Assistant Dean of the College of Human Resources and Education (1996-2001), and Associate Provost for University Outreach (2001-2003).

He received a bachelors degree in elementary education from Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia, and is an alumnus of Virginia Tech, earning his masters and Ph.D., both in higher education.

John and his wife, Lisa, have three daughters and make their home in Blacksburg.

2014 Namesake The Honorable Daniel W. “Danny” Bird, Jr. ’60 Agriculture & Life Sciences Daniel W. “Danny” Bird Jr. has had a long, memorable relationship with Virginia Tech. A native of Bland County, growing up on a dairy farm, Bird visited the Virginia Tech campus as a boy for 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) events, serving as FFA state president while in high school. He graduated from Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1960 with a degree in dairy science. While at Tech, he demonstrated leadership, serving as regimental commander of the Corps of Cadets and as president of his class, and serving on the ring design committee. He played varsity baseball for Virginia Tech, was involved in many other campus clubs and organizations and served as head counselor for the YMCA Freshman camp, a precursor to today’s Hokie Camp.

Bird later attended Washington and Lee University, where he received his law degree in 1965. He was a partner in the law firm of Bird and Slavin in Wytheville for 26 years. He was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 1976 and served 16 years as senator for a district of six Southwest Virginia counties. In January 1992, he was appointed General District Court judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit covering ten Southwest Virginia jurisdictions, and he continues to serve today.

Although he has always had a very busy schedule, Bird served on the Board of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association for a total of 19 years. During that time, he was on a number of committees, including Finance, Nominating, Government Relations, and the Military Committee. In 1993, he was chosen to serve as president of the association for a one-year term, and in 2008, he was named a Lifetime Honorary Director.

For his years of service to the university, Bird was honored with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 1998. Bird continues to cut a high profile at Virginia Tech as a member of the Ut Prosim Society and he has endowed an emerging leader scholarship for the Corps of Cadets. Each year he attends events in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and is often seen at Virginia Tech athletic events.

Two of his three children attended Virginia Tech, Ginny Bird Fitts ’90 and Daniel “Woody” Bird III ’92. Bird lives in Wytheville, Virginia, but still makes hay at his farm in Bland County and enjoys working for the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training season.

Design & Process

2014 Ring Design Committee Back Row: Daniel Rauh, David Caravati, Jay Tucker, Anthony Ardura Front Row: Kyle Johnson, Colleen Thom, Drew Dillon, Steve Hamilton Photo By: Maddie Potter ’14

1911 Four Virginia Tech rings were realized in the 1911-1912 school session – in this order, 1913, 1912, 1914, and 1911 which was created by Fred Prosser, Class of 1911, after that Class graduated.

1912

1914 First class to select a committee for ring design.

Our Own 2014 Collection To the Class of 2014, We have finally reached the halfway point in our college experience, and now have time to reflect on the past. As we look back, we find that we have changed from the students we were when we first moved into our dorms freshman year. For two years, we have grown and bettered ourselves, while simultaneously helping mold Virginia Tech into the university it is today.

For the last 103 years, each Virginia Tech graduating class has had the opportunity to design a unique class ring. The ring captures both the traditions of the university, and the Virginia Tech experience of the class who designed it. Our ring is meant to not only be a symbol to our class of the things we have achieved thus far, but also a reminder of the places we have yet to go to experience as Hokies.

When you finally put your ring on at Ring Dance, be proud to become part of the long tradition and history that has come before us, but even more excited to see what the future will bring!

Anthony Ardura Class of 2014 Ring Design Chair Anthony Ardura Photo by: Anjelica Smith ’14

1922

1923

1934

1934

First women’s miniature ring offered.

Miniature rings were often used as engagement rings.

(1925 ring depicted)

The first year “Virginia Polytechnic Institute” is spelled out around the bezel.

Around the bezel, the rope motif appeared on rings of the 20s and 30s.

On the side, the original McBryde Hall is portrayed.

First ring dance is held on April 27, 1934 by the Class of 1935.

Construction For each class, the Ring Design Committee is chosen during sophomore year. The committee members brainstorm to gather the most important elements of our Virginia Tech experience. This year’s ring contains elements from our class experience, and the rich history of past class rings.

In partnership with Balfour, and after many meetings and sketches, the committee presents its work to an artist who professionally renders it on a ring shank drawing. After several rounds of revisions and improvements, the art is digitized and then drawn in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program for the manufacturer. Balfour uses this CAD file to create a wax version of the ring for final approval by the committee. Once approved, a master mold is created. The ancient lost wax process is used to make the detailed rings that Hokies cherish.

Each class ring is made to order, passing through the skilled hands of at least 30 craftsmen, and is subjected to seven detailed inspections to ensure it meets all our quality standards.

WAX RING TREE

METAL RING TREE

POLISHING

FILING

Inaugur al Hokie Gold Legacy Ring Melt The Hokie Gold Legacy Program was established as a Class of 1964 anniversary program where gold from donated Virginia Tech class rings is included in future class rings.

On May 3, 2012, the inaugural melt was held at the Kroehling Advanced Materials Foundry (also known as VT FIRE), a laboratory for students in Materials Science Engineering.

Members of the Class of 2014 ring design committee put six rings donated by alumni or families of alumni in the special graphite crucible. The rings were melted and poured by Paul Huffman ’78, who was instrumental in getting the VT FIRE facility built and arranged for the ring melt.

Program founders Jesse Fowler ’64 and Jim Flynn ’64 were present as well as Jim Johnson ’60, who donated his class ring to the melt. This year’s Hokie Gold will be included in all gold Class of 2014 rings ordered by December 2012.

A small portion of gold from this melt will be reserved to include in the next Hokie Gold melt.

Each year, another small amount of Hokie Gold will be passed down to the next class in perpetuity.

DONATED RINGS IN CRUCIBLE

FIRST HOKIE GOLD POUR

Class of 2014 -Men’s Daniel W. Bird, Jr. ’60 Collection

FORT I T U DE - STA DI U M TOP

F ORT I T U DE - S QUA R E T OP

JUSTICE

F O R T I T U D E - O VA L T O P

GUA R DI A N

L OYA LT Y

Class of 2014 - Women’s Daniel W. Bird, Jr. ’60 Collection

G R AC E

RESILIENCE

F ORT I T U DE - S QUA R E T OP

FORT I T U DE - M I N I AT U R E

HONOR

O VA L T O P

MAJESTIC

ETERNITY

R ADIANCE

Class Side FLAMING VT INTERLOCKING CHAIN H O K I E N AT I O N FLAG

RESIDENTIAL SKYLINE

L U N C H PA I L VTPD CLASS LOGO

WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH C ADET AND SKIPPER C ANNON AV E R Y T U N N E L DRILLFIELD HOKIEBIRD RIBBON SEASONAL TREE C ANDLE SHOVEL CL ASS MOTTO DUCK POND

HOKIE STONE

INTERLOCKING CHAIN The chain, symbolizing the bonds created between members of the Class of 2014, has been a tradition since 1940.

RESIDENTIAL SKYLINE The residential skyline of Virginia Tech’s campus as seen from the Drillfield centers on War Memorial Hall. This side of campus serves as the home for the majority of Virginia Tech’s students when they are freshmen living in the residence halls.

VTPD A symbol of appreciation, the badge of Virginia Tech Police Department represents the hard work and passion exerted by these unsung heroes and honors the life lost on duty.

WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH First stated in Nikki Giovanni’s speech in 2007, “We are Virginia Tech” represents the unfailing resilience and unity the Hokie Nation has demonstrated in years past and will continue to demonstrate in the future.

AVERY TUNNEL Hosting one of the loudest entrances in all of college football, the Avery Tunnel serves as focal point to jumping Hokies young and old as the football team takes the field. As the players enter, they will jump to touch a stone at the end of the tunnel that reads: “For those who have passed, For those to come, Reach For Excellence”.

HOKIEBIRD As Virginia Tech’s beloved mascot, the HokieBird serves the Hokie community by increasing school spirit and representing the pride we have as Hokies.

CLASS LOGO The official class logo for 2014.

SEASONAL TREE The trees that surround the Drillfield represent the four seasons of Blacksburg: snow covered in winter, the bloom of spring, shade in summer, and the Hokie maroon and orange colors of fall.

SHOVEL The “t” in Ut is a shovel signifying our service to the surrounding community through The Big Event.

DUCK POND The Duck Pond serves as a place of leisure and study for students and staff alike on campus.

FLAMING VT A long-standing tradition brought by the Hotel Company of the Corps of Cadets, the flaming VT is featured at the Homecoming spirit rally on the lawn of the Graduate Life Center.

HOKIE NATION FLAG This flag of the Hokie Nation symbolizes the feeling of community among the students on campus as well as every single student that has called themselves a Hokie.

LUNCH PAIL This iconic symbol on game days represents not only the blue collar work ethic of the Hokie’s defense on the field, but also the pride of the entire Hokie community.

CADET AND SKIPPER CANNON The rich military history of our university is continued through the Corps of Cadets and several other traditions such as the Skipper cannon that can be heard most often in the fall at Hokie football games.

DRILLFIELD As the centerpiece of Virginia Tech, the Drillfield plays host to a range of activities, from pick-up games to the Corps Pass-In-Review. On the paths are footprints that run through the class logo, turning into Hokie Tracks. They symbolize the transformation that we make, and the legacy we leave that makes us Hokies forever.

RIBBON The “P” in Prosim is a ribbon signifying our campus’ success in supporting cancer research through Relay for Life.

CANDLE The “i” in Prosim is a lit candle signifying our service, honoring those Hokies who are no longer with us.

CLASS MOTTO The 2014 Motto, Magnitudo Apparet Ex Passione, translates to “Through passion, greatness emerges” and embodies the pursuit of excellence by the entire Class of 2014.

HOKIE STONE The Hokie Stone layer continuing along the shank of the ring reminds students of the neo-gothic architecture and stonework on campus grounds.

University Side S E V E N S TA R S

UNIVERSITY SHIELD

MOON

TORGERSEN BRIDGE

M O U N TA I N S

SCREAMING EAGLE

AC ADEMIC SKYLINE

C O M M O N W E A LT H OF VIRGINIA FLAG

CORPS OF C ADETS SHIELD

PYLONS

LEST WE FORGET

T H R E E S TA R S

UT PROSIM

CROSSED RIFLE & SABRE

AMERIC AN FLAG

1872

CLASS NUMERALS

UNIVERSITY EMBLEM

SCREAMING EAGLE The screaming eagle evolved from a pair of eagles used in the early Virginia Tech class rings, to symbolize the virtues of strength and freedom.

SEVEN STARS The seven stars honor the service and courage of Virginia Tech’s Medal of Honor recipients.

MOON The phase of the moon that will overlook Virginia Tech in the middle of May 2014 when our class graduates.

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA FLAG Virginia Tech proudly displays the flag of the Commonwealth as the first land grant university in Virginia.

MOUNTAINS The beautiful Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountains that surround our incredible campus and provide a place of recreation for our classmates.

UT PROSIM (THAT I MAY SERVE) Students exemplify the university motto, adopted in 1896, through their passion for service to our country and our surrounding communities.

ACADEMIC SKYLINE The steadfast Virginia Tech Academic Skyline as seen from the Drillfield. This side of campus is home to the majority of the academic classes at Virginia Tech and is clustered around Burruss Hall, which serves as the historic centerpiece of campus.

AMERICAN FLAG Waving proudly on Virginia Tech’s campus, the American Flag represents freedom, pride, history, and our nation’s unity.

THREE STARS The three stars symbolize Hokies past, present, and future.

CLASS NUMERALS The Class of 2014 is the 140th class to graduate from the university.

CROSSED RIFLE & SABRE The oldest element on any Tech ring, the crossed rifle and sabre represent the command presence of a military officer and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

CORPS OF CADETS SHIELD A symbol of pride, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets shield was designed by alumnus Colonel Harry D. Temple ‘34. The design of the shield allowed the corps to receive a Coat of Arms from the Army Institute of Heraldry.

LEST WE FORGET The words inscribed on ”The Rock” located in the upper quad honoring those who lost their lives in World War I.

Tops FORTITUDE - OVAL TOP

UNIVERSITY SHIELD Created in 1896, the seal’s four quadrants depict the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the surveyor’s level and leveling rod, a standing ear of corn, and a chemical retort and graduate. It has remained almost completely unchanged for more than 11 decades.

TORGERSEN BRIDGE Bridging the past and the present, this symbol of Virginia Tech embodies the innovation and dedication of the university towards advances in fields of science, medicine, and engineering.

FORTITUDE - STADIUM TOP

PYLONS Since 1960, the Pylons stand strong, representing the eight core values of the university: Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim.

1872 The year Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College was founded, later to become Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

UNIVERSITY EMBLEM Adopted in 1991, this emblem for the university depicts the War Memorial with the cenotaph and eight pylons.

FORTITUDE - SQUARE TOP

Options & Pricing R ING PR ICING MEN’S STYLES

Balfour Premium Silver™ 10K

Fortitude 40 DWT Fortitude 34 DWT Fortitude 28 DWT Fortitude 22 DWT Loyalty Guardian Justice

$593 $567 $535 $508 $342 $342 $342

$1,707 $1,484 $1,292 $1,089 $580 $589 $580

Simulated Gemstones 14K $2,302 $2,006 $1,700 $1,404 $752 $765 $752

18K

Celestrium™

$3,018 $2,589 $2,169 $1,760 $924 $940 $924

$237 $237 $237 $237 $237 $237 $237

Balfour WOMEN’S STYLES Premium Silver™ 10K

14K

18K

Celestrium™

Fortitude 12 DWT Fortitude 5 DWT Honor Grace (CZs) Grace (Diamonds) Resilience Eternity Majestic (CZs) Majestic (Diamonds) Radiance (CZs) Radiance (Diamonds)

$935 $588 $527 $486 $576 $486 $527 $486 $508 $486 $576

$1,141 $704 $644 $604 $694 $604 $644 $604 $626 $604 $694

$237 $227 $227 — — $227 $227 $227 $249 — —

$432 $344 $344 $343 $433 $343 $344 $343 $365 $343 $433

$728 $494 $462 $430 $520 $430 $462 $430 $452 $430 $520

Palmeira Citrine Topaz Medium Aquamarine Swiss Blue Topaz London Blue Topaz Lapis Lazuli Rhodolite Garnet Mozambique Garnet Medium Amethyst Carnelian Hematite Blood Stone Aventurine Quartz Green Agate Hope Blue Star Sapphire Honey Tiger Eye Brown Tiger Eye Wyoming Jade Hokie Stone Oval Hokie Stone Square

February Amethyst

March Aquamarine

April White Spinel

May Emerald

June Alexandrite

July Ruby

August Peridot

September Blue Spinel

October Green Tourmaline

November Topaz

December Blue Zircon

Onyx

Tangerine

Fireblue

Rose Zircon

Special Stone Options

Diamond Top

STONE PR ICING GENUINE STONES

January Garnet

13x11

12x10

8x6

$163 $488 $215 $215 $ 63 $525 $210 $247 $ 37 $ 42 $ 42 $ 32 $ 26 $110 $ 47 $ 47 $ 47 $ 23 $ 32

$121 $404 $168 $168 $ 63 $347 $168 $184 $ 37 $ 37 $ 32 $ 32 $ 26 $ 100 $ 47 $ 47 $ 37 $ 21 $ 27

$ 37 $ 89 $ 47 $ 47 $ 47 $142 $ 100 $ 79 $ 26 $ 32 $ 26 $ 21 $ 21 $ 58 $ 37 $ 37 $ 37 $ 14 $ 19

DIAMONDS $ 37 1 Pt. 2 Pts. $ 47 3 Pts. $ 74 5 Pts. $ 105 10 Pts. $ 116 20 Pts. $ 184 25 Pts. $ 394 CUBIC ZIRCONIA $ 11 1 Pt. 2 Pts. $ 16 3 Pts. $ 19 5 Pts. $ 26 10 Pts. $ 26 20 Pts. $ 29 25 Pts. $ 53

Fireburst

Tube Set

Motherof-Pearl

Encrusted

Fraternity Diamond Top

Also Available in genuine Hokie Stone! *Stones will vary

PAYMENT OPTIONS PAY IN FULL: Receive a $10 discount when you pay in full at time of order.

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.

C.O.D.: Leave a $100 deposit when you place your order and pay the balance due when the ring arrives.

1940

1942

The rope motif that usually encircled the bezel is replaced by an interlinking chain and is still used today to represent class unity, usually in the form of linking class numerals.

Fred Waring’s Moonlight and V.P.I. is first performed at Ring Dance.

Warr anty 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 exsisting remake charge.

CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR ORDERING ADDITIONAL RINGS: Additional rings may be ordered at any time. After December 21, 2014, 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.

1944

1949

1958

1960

Due to World War II, Ring Dance is suspended from 1944 – 1946.

The end of the 40s saw a swell of veterans returning to VPI as civilians creating the need for a “CSB” (Civilian Study Body) side of the ring.

First ring to depict the War Memorial Pylons.

Daniel Bird, 2014 Ring Namesake served on the committee to design his Class of 1960 Ring

Dance Tr adition

Over the past seventy-nine years, Virginia Tech students and faculty have gathered to celebrate the beloved and lasting tradition of Ring Dance. Established by the Class of 1935, Ring Dance weekend takes place in the spring of a student’s junior year.

The celebration 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. Traditionally, the women wear the darker ribbon while the men wear the lighter ribbon.

A time-honored ritual performed by the Corps of Cadets marks the ring presentation. Marching into the ballroom, junior Cadets form the Ring Figure of their graduating class year, followed by the formation of the Sabre Arch. Under this arch, freshman Cadets escort each Cadet’s date. 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 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 their first view of the class ring, since they have been picked up and hidden by their freshmen escorts until the dance. At the conclusion of the song, hundreds of balloons are released on civilians and students below. A tradition that began as a Corps prank many years ago, and is now handled by members of the Virginia Tech Swine Club, is the S AV E T H E D A T E F O R release of a small pig into the ballroom for a brief period after the ring R ING DA NCE W EEK END : presentation. The grand finale of the evening takes place at midnight with M A R CH 2 2 –2 3 , 2 013 a spectacular show of fireworks over the Drillfield. Finally, “Silver Taps” is played and a report from the Skipper Cannon concludes the event.

1971

1984

1992

First ring to depict the Skipper Cannon.

Uses hemlock needles to form the chain around the bezel. Hokie stone is modeled around the palmside of the ring.

Modern HokieBird first appears on a ring.

Join us in March

Nothing captures the spirit and ideal of Virginia Tech quite like the ring tradition. Since 1911, each class has had the privilege of immortalizing their unique experience forged during their endeavors at Virginia Tech through the designing of a unique class ring. Ring Dance was thereafter born; an occasion commemorating the milestone achievement of receiving the class ring during junior year.

On behalf of the 2014 Ring Dance Committee, I have the honor and pleasure of cordially inviting you to join us for a weekend of celebration. Saturday, March 23rd will mark Class of 2014’s own special evening and the 79th year anniversary of the Ring Dance at Virginia Tech. The formal event will consist of the Corps of Cadets Ring Figure presentation and Sabre Arch, live musical entertainment, and memories sure to define your Hokie experience. A fireworks display on the Drillfield will serve as a fitting and fantastic close to a spectacular weekend of festivities.

Please join the 2014 Ring Dance Committee and 2014 Class Leadership Team as we present to you this special occasion. We look forward to seeing you there.

Respectfully yours,

Kyle Johnson Photo by: Anjelica Smith ’14

Kyle Johnson Class of 2014 Ring Dance Chair

2000

2011

2013

The Millennial ring.

Charles Steger ’69 becomes Virginia Tech’s 15th president.

Celebrates 100 years of the ring tradition. First ring to offer the option of genuine Hokie Stone as a stone choice.

This ring depicts the evolution of the HokieBird mascot.

Dear Class of 2014, Two years have passed since you first arrived in Blacksburg and began your Virginia Tech experience. During that time, we have each followed a unique path participating in the many traditions and legacies that are a part of being a student here. Hokie spirit is now ingrained in all of us. I am pleased and honored to invite all of you to become a part of one of the oldest traditions here at Virginia Tech, that of the class ring.

The distinctive Virginia Tech class ring is a celebration not only of our Junior year, but our entire experience as a member of the Hokie family. Your class ring is a symbol of your time here that you will have for the rest of your life. This tradition has over 100 years of history, and I encourage each of you to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to show your Hokie pride. We have earned the right to wear a piece of Virginia Tech, so let’s do it proudly!

As a class we have each had diverse experiences that make us unique. It is a strong sense of community, however, that has united us as a class. The Hokie spirit is one trait we all share, and our class ring is a symbol of our dedication, commitment, and loyalty to Virginia Tech.

Through our passions, as the Class of 2014, we can achieve greatness during the remainder of our time here, and in the future as alumni.

With the spirit of 2014,

Jay M. Tucker President, Class of 2014

Jay Tucker Photo by: Anjelica Smith ’14

CD Class Officers President Jay Tucker, Vice President Jason Berube, Secretary Lindsay Keys, Treasurer Megan Cash, Historian Anjelica Smith, Female Member at Large Colleen Thom, Male Member at Large David Caravati, Cadet Member at Large Steve Hamilton Class Leadership Team Andrew Sunderman, Daniel Rauh, Anthony Ardura, Ryan Eckart, Taylor Ullrich, Sean Stallings, Ti Bui, Kyle Johnson, Mike Reilly, Bridget Duffy, Mary Novak, Drew Dillon, Becca Leaf, Stephanie Hitchcock, Kelly Luker, Kelsey Westwood, Elizabeth Keegan, Blair McGee, Caroline Blevins Photo by: Maddie Potter ’14

www.vt.edu/classring www.class.alumni.vt.edu/2014 www.alumni.vt.edu/classrings

CLASS PROGRAMS ARE SPONSORED BY T HE V IRGI NI A TECH A LUM NI A SSO CI AT ION.