Virginia Tech Class of 2015 Ring Brochure

V I RG I N I A P O LY T E C H N IC I N ST I T U T E A N D STAT E U N I V E R S I T Y ©Balfour 1970–2013, all rights reserved.

BID100VT-0013 20563 06.13

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 included an eagle and crossed sabres 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 2015 recognizes Minnis E. Ridenour as our ring collection namesake.

Front row (left to right): Keegan Newton, Cadet Dress and Sabre Chair; Claire Long, Secretary; Elizabeth Lazor, Treasurer; Nicole Navasca, Accessories Chair; Kiersen Commons, Elections and Special Events Co-Chair; Amanda Brown, Historian; Katie Agnos, Marketing Co-Chair; Nicole Crouch, Female Member-atLarge; Morgan Denfeld, Vice President; Alfonso Maher, Cadet Member-at-Large Middle row (left to right): Lance Altizer Jr., Ring Design Committee Member; Austin Tatum, Ring Design Chair; William Chung, Leadership Team Member; Matthew Ramirez, Male Member-at-Large; Dean Grim, Productions Chair; Jean-Luc Ford, President; Lindsay Coffey, Banquet Chair Back row (left to right): Michael Conway, Marketing Co-Chair; Taylor Chandler, Guest Relations Chair; Roy Abernathy, Ring Dance Chair; Kaitlyn Baumann, Aesthetics Chair; Miles Clark, Construction Chair; Meg Carper, Entertainment Chair; Alicia Azzi, Ring Design Committee Member; Suzanna Watkins, Decorations Chair Not pictured: Carter Moore, Webmaster; Tinny Song, Elections and Special Events Co-Chair; Jenna Zschaebitz, Invitations and Photography Chairz Photo by Holly Younce, Virginia Tech Class of 2014

www.vt.edu/classring www.class.alumni.vt.edu/2015 www.alumni.vt.edu/classrings

Scan the QR Code with your smartphone to learn more about the Class of 2015 ring.

C L A S S P R O G R A M S A R E S P O N S O R E D B Y T H E V I R G I N I A T E C H A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N .

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.

ONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR C ORDERING ADDITIONAL RINGS: Additional rings may be ordered at any time. After December 21, 2015, 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.

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

CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR CHANGES IN ACADEMIC COLLEGE DESIGNATION: 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.­

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.

FUTURA AUDENTIBUS THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO DARE

Class Colors: Midnight Blue, Sunset Coral, Bronze

Two years ago, we each left home and began a journey to pursue our dreams.

Since then we have transformed ourselves as well as Virginia Tech. We stepped on campus as zealous, naĂŻve freshmen and have grown into leaders, scholars, athletes, and agents of change. As we have begun to write a new chapter of our lives we have challenged ourselves and those around us, created lifelong bonds of friendship, overcome trials of adversity, and most importantly we have dared to grow. Our class is bold and vibrant; and even though we each have created our own unique paths, we come together through spirit and tradition.

It is my distinct honor to invite and encourage each of you to take part in one of Virginia Tech’s oldest, timeless, and important memories—the celebration of the ring tradition. This tradition has thrived for over 100 years, and now it is our turn to wear the tradition. The Virginia Tech Class Ring is redesigned every year; therefore, our ring is unique to the experiences we have shared as a class and embodies the spirit of 2015.

We have earned the right to participate in this long-standing tradition through wearing a Virginia Tech class ring as well as attending Ring Dance this spring. The class ring is a piece of Virginia Tech we can take with us wherever our path may take us in the world and is a symbol of our dedication and love for Virginia Tech. Therefore, I encourage you to embrace the Virginia Tech experience, spirit, community, and tradition of receiving a class ring and attending your ring dance to celebrate this milestone in our experience here.

2015 Love,

Jean-Luc Ford 2015 Class President Jean-Luc Ford Photo by Amanda Brown Class of 2015 Historian

Upon entering the junior year, there is no denying that each member of the Class of 2015 has been truly immersed into the Hokie Nation and will forever embody the spirit of this community. As the ring tradition begins to unfold for each student with the purchase of a class ring, representing all that has been and will be important to our experience, a celebration to commemorate the ring is important. Ring Dance will be an unforgettable experience, a weekend of special events to have fun, be with friends, and have your class, the Class of 2015, become part of Virginia Tech’s timeless tradition forever.

On behalf of the 2015 Ring Dance Committee, I am honored to cordially invite you to join us in the great celebration that is Ring Dance. The 2015 Ring Dance activities will pay tribute to 104 years of the Ring Tradition, 80 years of Ring Dance, and our present and future experiences as members of the Hokie Nation. Ring Dance will be held the weekend of March 27th – 29th, and to move back into the true tradition and fashion of the Ring Dance weekend, will feature two nights of dance. This weekend of events begins with a special event night on Thursday, and the choice of a vibrant night of dancing on Friday or a formal dance night on Saturday with the Corps of Cadets’ Ring Figure. A fireworks display on the Drillfield will be the grand finale to end the weekend of events.

Please join the 2015 Ring Dance Committee and 2015 Leadership Team to celebrate the tradition of Ring Dance through this entire weekend affair. We promise this weekend will create unforgettable memories of your time at Virginia Tech. We look forward to celebrating with you.

2015 Love,

Roy Alexander Abernathy Class of 2015 Ring Dance Chair

Roy Abernathy Photo by Amanda Brown Class of 2015 Historian

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.

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 release of a small pig into the ballroom for a brief period after the ring presentation. The grand finale of the evening takes place at midnight with a spectacular show of fireworks over the Drillfield. Finally, “Silver Taps” is played and a report from the Skipper Cannon concludes the event.

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.

Depicts the Honor Pylon of the War Memorial.

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.

First class to select a committee for ring design.

Minnis Ridenour, Senior Fellow for Resource Development, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Emeritus With a career and service to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University that has spanned four decades, and the administrations of five university presidents – Marshall Hahn (1962-1974), William Lavery (1975-1987), James McComas (1988-1994), Paul Torgersen (1994-2000) and Charles Steger (2000-current), Minnis Ridenour has had a major impact on the development and growth of Virginia Tech.

Minnis E. Ridenour joined Virginia Tech in 1974 as the university’s Budget Director and Chief Business Officer. He later served as Vice President for Finance until his promotion in 1987 to Executive Vice President. In May 2001, Ridenour was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and served in this position until 2004 when he retired and assumed the position of Senior Fellow for Resource Development. Ridenour also served as Executive Vice President of the Virginia Tech Foundation and served on the boards of other university related corporations. As Senior Fellow, Ridenour was responsible for leading the effort to restructure higher education in the Commonwealth on behalf of Virginia Tech.

After retiring from full-time service, Ridenour continued his involvement with Virginia Tech by working with a group of graduate students on studies for the university as well as the Commonwealth. These efforts have included leading the Virginia Tech Arts Initiative and the development of the Center for the Arts, the NCAA Recertification of Athletics, studies in support of biomedical and health sciences, and supporting the scientific review of the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute. Ridenour and his graduate student team provided support to the Governor’s Commission for Higher Education Reform, Innovation, and Investment. He continues to teach graduate level courses in financial management for governmental and non-profit entities.

Ridenour received his bachelor’s degree in both marketing and retailing, and his master’s degree in higher education administration with a focus in finance, from The University of Tennessee. He began his career as an Assistant Administrator with the United Methodist Homes and Health Care Facilities of the Holston Conference. He was employed in marketing, research, and planning with the First Union National Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina, and also held positions as a Data Analyst, Research Associate, Coordinator, and Director of the Office of Institutional Research at The University of Tennessee.

Ridenour has chaired and served on executive committees of numerous boards, locally and nationally, over the span of his career. He served in many capacities for the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and was recognized in 2001 with their Distinguished Business Officers award. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Carilion Foundation and the board of advisors for CCS-Inc. He is also a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference Finance Committee.

In addition to being involved in community activities, Ridenour and his wife, Louise Leitch Ridenour, devote considerable time to volunteer work and to mission efforts through the United Methodist Church, especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The Ridenours are involved in working with and supporting the Spring of Life United Methodist Church in Kiev, and St. Luke’s Family Center, which serves street children and families at risk in Kiev, Ukraine. Minnis and Louise reside in Blacksburg and have a son and a daughter, and two grandchildren.

RING PRICING

MEN’S STYLES

Balfour Premium Silver™ 10K

Steger 40 DWT Steger 34 DWT Steger 28 DWT Steger 22 DWT Burruss Hutcheson Hahn

$595 $568 $536 $509 $343 $343 $343

Balfour WOMEN’S STYLES Premium Silver™ 10K Steger 12 DWT Steger 5 DWT Steger Miniature Eggleston McComas McBryde Newman (CZs) Newman (Diamonds) Lavery Torgersen (CZs) Torgersen (Diamonds)

$432 $344 $344 $344 $344 $344 $344 $366 $344 $344 $434

14K 18K Celestrium™

$1,504 $2,018 $2,654 $1,312 $1,765 $2,279 $1,151 $1,502 $1,914 $978 $1,248 $1,559 $545 $704 $862 $539 $695 $851 $539 $695 $851

14K

18K

$667 $850 $1,032 $469 $552 $658 $415 $465 $577 $415 $465 $577 $442 $499 $607 $442 $499 $607 $415 $465 $577 $437 $487 $599 $415 $465 $577 $415 $465 $577 $505 $555 $667

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

January Garnet

May Emerald

February Amethyst

June Alexandrite

March Aquamarine

July August Ruby Peridot

Celestrium™ $237 $227 $227 $227 $227 $227 $227 $249 $227 — —

September October November December Blue Spinel Green Tourmaline Topaz Blue Zircon

Onyx

Tangerine

Diamond Top Fireburst

STONE PRICING

Tube Set

Fireblue

Motherof-Pearl

GENUINE STONES 13x11 12x10 8x6 Citrine $163 Light Aquamarine $364 Medium Aquamarine $488 Sky Blue Topaz $242 Swiss Blue Topaz $215 London Blue Topaz $215 Rhodolite Garnet $525 Mozambique Garnet $210 Light Amethyst $218 Medium Amethyst $247 Dark Amethyst $303 Peridot $1212 Smokey Topaz $182 Hokie Stone Oval $ 23 Hokie Stone Square $ 32 Hope Blue Star Sapphire $110 Brown Tiger Eye $ 47 Wyoming Jade $ 47

$121 $327 $404 $188 $168 $168 $347 $168 $158 $184 $222 $848 $133 $ 21 $ 27 $ 100 $ 47 $ 37

$37 $97 $89 $48 $47 $47 $142 $100 $55 $79 $133 $85 $24 $ 14­­­­ $ 19 $ 58 $ 37 $ 37­­­­

April White Spinel

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

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.

Rose Zircon

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.

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

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

Filling

THE HOKIE GOLD L EGAC Y PROGR A M 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. A small portion of gold from this melt was 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.

Frank Shushok Jr., PhD Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Frank Shushok serves as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Virginia Tech. Serving as deputy to the Vice President of Student Affairs and providing leadership for five departments: Housing and Residence Life, Career Services, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Dining Services, and Student Conduct, he leads a staff of over 2,000 full- and part-time employees and manages a budget of approximately $100 million. Shushok serves on the advisory councils of two academic departments: the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management; is also co-chair for the Virginia Tech-Town of Blacksburg Committee; and serves as Virginia Tech’s Deputy Title IX Officer.

Shushok’s writing and research interests focus on student learning and engagement, positive psychology and its influence on student growth and development, strengthening intellectual life in campus residential environments, honors programs, and reorganizing colleges and universities to ensure that every student belongs to a caring community of learning. Shushok is a frequent contributor to higher education literature. His recent articles can be found in About Campus, the Journal of College and Character, the Journal of Leadership Studies, the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, and the Journal for College and University Student Housing, among others. In 2010, Frank was appointed Associate Editor for the Journal of College and University Student Housing, and in 2013, he was named Executive Editor of About Campus, a widely read and highly regarded academic magazine.

Shushok holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, a master of arts in higher education and student affairs administration from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in higher education policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. In his over 20 year career in higher education, Shushok has worked at a broad range of institutional types including three large research universities, a comprehensive state university, and a private faith-based university. Prior to coming to Virginia Tech, he served as Dean for Student Learning and Engagement at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. As part of his role, Shushok served as Graduate Program Director for Baylor’s Higher Education and Student Affairs Master’s Program.

Shushok married his high school sweetheart, who he began dating before he could drive. Kelly, a United Methodist minister, joins him in raising three wild and crazy children who keep them humble. Shushok loves college sports, running, fly fishing, reading, social media and funny stories.

To the Class of 2015, As I look back on the last two years at Virginia Tech, it’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone! Each of us has a special experience, and no one’s story is the same.

The mix of personalities, stories, and experiences is what makes our class unique. I ask you to think about your favorite memory here at Virginia Tech. Where were you?

Who were you with? What was so distinctive about it?

The Class of 2015 Ring was designed to capture the spirit of these special memories and what it means to be a Hokie. We are a strong, fun, outgoing, and bold class with many stories to tell. I hope that when you look at your class ring, you see images that tell the story of your time spent as a student at Virginia Tech. While each of us is different, the ring unites us together as a class and community — a testament to our diversity as a class as well as our collective spirit and strength as Hokies.

We have one of the nation’s oldest ring design traditions here at Tech, and I am excited to share all of our efforts with each of you. I hope that you will wear the ring proudly, knowing that you are taking part in over 100 years of tradition as a member of the great Hokie Nation.

Best,

Austin A. Tatum Class of 2015 Ring Design Chair

Austin Tatum Photo by Amanda Brown Class of 2015 Historian

Torgersen

Eggleston

Steger - Square Top

Steger - Miniature Oval Top

McBryde

Newman

Lavery (VT shanks)

McComas

Steger - Stadium Top

Steger- Oval Top

Steger - Square Top

Burruss

Hutcheson

Hahn

Back row (left to right): Matt Ramirez Alfonso Maher Lance Altizer Front row (left to right): Roy Abernathy Nicole Crouch Austin Tatum Alicia Azzi Jean-Luc Ford Photo by Amanda Brown Class of 2015 Historian

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.

CRANE WITH CLASS LOGO

32 HOKIE TRACKS HOKIE STONE A R C H WAY

TORGERSEN BRIDGE & ALUMINI MALL

HOKIEBIRD

BURRUSS HALL & APRIL 16 MEMORIAL

CLASS MOTTO

“WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH” XV DRILLFIELD PAT H S

SCOREBOARD

CASSELL COLISEUM

LIGHTNING

AV E RY T U N N E L

NORTH ENDZONE/ RICHTER SCALE SKIPPER CANNON WITH SMOKE

CRANE WITH CLASS LOGO The crane, seen lowering the Class of 2015 logo, represents the construction often found on campus as a symbol of the ever-progressing, ever-changing innovation that characterizes the university and its campus.

BURRUSS HALL & APRIL 16 MEMORIAL One of the most recognizable buildings on campus, Burruss Hall serves a variety of academic, administrative, and social functions. Featured in front of Burruss is the April 16th Memorial, a tribute at the heart of campus to the lives lost on that day in 2007.

“WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH” Behind the Memorial are engraved the words “We Are Virginia Tech.” These words, along with the memorial, serve as a hallmark of the strength and resilience of the Hokie community.

ARCHWAY (15 STONES) Hokie stone buildings and historic architecture create a sense of history and tradition on our beautiful campus. The archway, composed of 15 Hokie stones to represent the Class of 2015, is the perspective through which the rest of the ring is viewed. It symbolizes the history of the fine architectural detail found in buildings across campus.

TORGERSEN BRIDGE & ALUMNI MALL Serving as the gateway to campus, Torgersen Bridge stretches over Alumni Mall and welcomes students and visitors to the beautiful campus. Also a popular study location, it signifies the university’s innovation in education, research, and academics. The VT logo can be found in the bushes on Alumni Mall.

AVERY TUNNEL The football team emerges from the tunnel every home game to an audience of thousands of screaming, jumping fans ready to experience the magic of Blacksburg on game day.

SKIPPER CANNON WITH SMOKE The game cannon, known as Skipper Cannon, is shown with smoke coming out of its barrel, symbolizing the great BOOM that comes after every Hokie Touchdown!

XV DRILLFIELD PATHS The very heart of the Virginia Tech campus, the Drillfield is home to special memories and traditions for generations of Hokies - from relaxing and recreation to traveling to and from class. “XV,” the Roman numeral 15, can be seen in the Drillfield pathways.

HOKIEBIRD The beloved Virginia Tech mascot serves as the symbol of our community and the Hokie Nation, representing our school spirit and the pride we have as Hokies united.

SCOREBOARD (66-13, START JUMPING) Standing tall over the North EndZone is the scoreboard, inscribed with the famous “Start Jumping” phrase used at Virginia Tech football games. The score 66-13 is displayed - the score of the Class of 2015’s very first home football game in Lane Stadium their freshman year.

NORTH ENDZONE & RICHTER SCALE Nowhere else do football games register on the Richter scale as they did at Lane Stadium in 2011, during the final minutes of the game when Virginia Tech defeated Miami 38-35. The place to be on game day is in Lane Stadium experiencing the “Blacksburg Bounce” as Enter Sandman blares over the speakers, a tradition near and dear to generations of Hokies alike.

CASSELL COLISEUM Cheering in the student section at a Hokie basketball game in Cassell Coliseum is a must for any VT student.

LIGHTNING The word “football” evokes an electrifying feeling in the Hokie Nation. Lane Stadium is recognized as one of the toughest and scariest places for opponents to play. With seating for over 66,000 fans, traditions are formed that are carried on from freshmen to seniors.

Lane Stadium is the perfect places to witness a college game.

CLASS MOTTO (FUTURA AUDENTIBUS) The Class of 2015 motto, Futura Audentibus, translates to “The Future Belongs to Those Who Dare” and represents the bold, unique, adventurous spirit of the Class of 2015.

CHAIN OF 32 HOKIE TRACKS In the spirit of boldness and innovation that represents the Class of 2015, the traditional chain link bezel was replaced with 32 interlocking Hokie tracks, as a testament to the unified strength of the Hokie community, and a special tribute to the 32 victims of the events of April 16th.

1872

3 S TA R S BLACKSBURG SUNSET

U.S. FLAG

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

M O U N TA I N S

UNIVERSITY MOTTO

PYLONS

EAGLE

CROSSED SABRES

CORPS CREST

UNIVERSITY SHIELD

LANE HALL

THE ROCK, CANNONS, “LEST WE FORGET”

V T PAT H WAY

PYLONS

MOUNTAINS (MCAFEE’S KNOB, DRAGON’S TOOTH)

At the center of the ring, the Pylons represent the eight core values of the university: Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim.

The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains provides a picturesque natural backdrop for Virginia Tech and the town of Blacksburg. Hikes to McAfee’s Knob and Dragon’s Tooth are some of students’ favorite pastimes.

EAGLE

The Screaming Eagle evolved from a pair of eagles used in early ring designs to symbolize the twin virtues of strength and freedom. The eagle soars gracefully through the Pylons carrying the ribbon inscribed with the university motto.

UNIVERSITY MOTTO, UT PROSIM ON RIBBON

At the heart of everything we do as members of the Virginia Tech community, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) signifies the Hokie spirit of passion and service to each other, our community, and our world.

CROSSED SABRES

One of the oldest elements of the Virginia Tech Ring Design, the crossed sabres represent the command presence of a military officer and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

CORPS CREST & UNIVERSITY SHIELD

Corps Crest: 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 university shield. Created in 1896 and nearly unchanged for over 11 decades, 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.

STEGER - OVAL TOP

BLACKSBURG SUNSET LANE HALL

Originally known as Barracks No. 1, Lane Hall is the iconic building at the heart of Upper Quad.

Built in 1888, Lane Hall represents the wide and full history of the university from the beginnings as an all-cadet institute to a world-renowned center of research and learning.

THE ROCK / CANNONS / “LEST WE FORGET”

The stone monument at the base of the American flag pole on Upper Quad, known as “The Rock,” honors the VPI alumni who died fighting in World War I. Situated between two cannons, The Rock is engraved with the phrase “Lest We Forget.” Every cadet shows respect by rendering a salute if in uniform or placing their right hand over their heart as they pass.

VT PATHWAY

Just behind The Rock and cannons you’ll find the largest “VT” on campus, the pathway in the center of Upper Quad where students pass every day.

STEGER - STADIUM TOP

Whether seen from the Pylons overlooking the Drillfield, in the beautiful mountains, or anywhere else around campus, there is no sunset more beautiful than here in Blacksburg. The sunset represents the beauty of the place we call home, but is also special for the Class of 2015, symbolizing the boldness we see in ourselves and in life.

1872

The year of the founding of Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, which would later become Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University our beloved Virginia Tech.

3 STARS

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

U.S. & COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA FLAGS

US flag: Flying high in front of the magnificent Burruss Hall, the American Flag symbolizes freedom, pride, history, and our nation’s unity.

Commonwealth of Virginia flag: As the first land grant university in Virginia, Virginia Tech proudly displays the flag of the Commonwealth.

STEGER - SQUARE TOP