Virginia Tech Class of 2017 Ring Brochure

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

BID100VT-0015.23211 ©Balfour 1970–2015, all rights reserved.

VIRGINIA TECH

®

2017 RING COLLECTION

PRAESTARE TRADITIONE TRANSCEND WITH TRADITION

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VIRGINIA TECH

CLASS COLORS: Navy, Cranberry, Silver

®

Photo by Ivan Morozov

TRADITION

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he 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 redesigns their ring collection for each class. 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 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, university president, or administrator as ring collection namesake.

The design, collection, and namesake are announced to the class during the fall of their junior year at Ring Premiere.

The class of 2017 recognizes Raymond D. Smoot Jr. ’69 as the collection namesake.

RING NAMESAKE

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech University Relations

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RAYMOND D. SMOOT JR. ’69 B.A., English; M.S. Education Senior Fellow Emeritus Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation

art of the now fabled Virginia Tech class of 1969, Raymond D. Smoot Jr., like his “highprofile” classmates, President Charles Steger, Alumni Relations Vice President Tom Tillar, football coach Frank Beamer, and Corporate Research Center President Joe Meredith, has spent most of his career serving his alma mater with distinction.

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Smoot earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech. As a student, he was a resident advisor, and a member of Phi Delta Theta social fraternity and the Phi Kappa Phi academic fraternity. In his senior year, Smoot served as president of the Student Government Association. Except for his brief time as a graduate research associate at The Ohio State University, where he received his Ph.D., Smoot has spent all of his career with Virginia Tech. As Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech University Relations

2017 CLASS SPONSOR

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ROBERT T. SUMICHRAST

Dean for the Pamplin College of Business

obert Sumichrast began his appointment as Dean of the Pamplin College of Business in July, 2013, bringing with him new energy, focus, and community building strategies. He is no stranger to the Hokie way of life, having begun his academic teaching career at Virginia Tech in 1984, including serving four years as Pamplin’s associate dean for graduate and international programs. He served on 40 graduate committees throughout the university and taught 17 different courses in the department of business information technology.

He left in 2003 to become dean of the E.J. Ourso

from 2003 - 2012, Smoot was responsible for management of assets in excess of $1.3 billion including the university’s endowment, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, and the Hotel Roanoke. He previously held several vice presidential posts at Virginia Tech, most recently as Vice President for Administration and Treasurer. He retired in 2012 and continues to serve the university on special projects as a Senior Fellow.

Smoot is active in community affairs, serving as chairman and director of Union Bankshares (a regional bank), executive director and finance committee chair of Carilion Clinic, and director of RGC Resources, Inc. He is also a director of Warm Hearth (a nonprofit retirement community), the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and has served as chairman of the Investment Committee of the Virginia Retirement System, one of the nation’s largest pension funds. He is a director of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce

College of Business at Louisiana State University.

While there, his efforts significantly elevated the reputation of the college, in addition to strengthening international programs and development efforts.

Then as dean at the University of Georgia, a position he assumed in 2007, he was noted for leveraging strong collaborations with departments outside the business college, improving education and research programs, increasing services to students, and expanding the scope and success of alumni relations and development for the college.

Sumichrast’s research includes numerous publications on some of the leading peer-reviewed research journals in the fields of management science and

and Mountain Lake Conservancy and also serves as an investment advisory board member of Harbert Venture Partners. Smoot was recognized by the Association of University Research Parks as recipient of its 2005 National Community Leadership Award, and in 2012 by Junior Achievement as a member of its Western Virginia Business Hall of Fame.

His wife, Jean N. Smoot, is also retired from Virginia Tech and served as Director of the Hokie Passport Office among other roles at the university. She now works as project coordinator with Housing and Residential Life, facilitating the Hokie Helpers volunteer services for the Fall move-in week to the residence halls at Virginia Tech.

The Smoots have four children, Amanda Smoot of Midlothian, Darren who is married to Lindsey Schultz Eversole of Christiansburg, Eric Eversole of Roanoke, and Ben Smoot of Charleston, South Carolina.

operations management. He holds several leadership positions in professional organizations and currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International and as vice chair of its initial accreditation committee. He also chairs the AACSB task force on doctoral education.

Sumichrast received his bachelor’s degree in physics from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in management science from Clemson University.

FROM THE CLASS PRESIDENT

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Photo by Ann Prideaux ‘17

ver two years ago, we entered Virginia Tech as curious freshmen, seeking a new place to grow and develop. Now, as juniors we have become fully immersed in the spirit of the Hokie Nation. Academic excellence, sporting events, extracurricular activities and lifelong friendships are among some of the countless memories that we will reflect on and cherish for years to come.

I am honored to invite you to participate in one of Virginia Tech’s richest and most storied traditions— the distinctive class ring. Each year the class ring is redesigned to embody the unique experience that we have enjoyed during our time as students. No matter where your future leads, your ring will serve as a reminder that a piece of Virginia Tech is always with you.

PAT FINN

President, Class of 2017

FROM THE DESIGN CHAIR

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Photo by Ann Prideaux ‘17

ur time here at Virginia Tech is passing too quickly! Soon we will look back on the memories made and the experiences shared and truly wonder where the years went.

What is most gratifying in our life’s journey is being able to know with certainty that no matter how old we become, no matter where our lives may take us, we carry these experiences and traditions with us as Hokie Alumni.

THOMAS ARRUDA

The 2017 Class Ring was designed to exemplify those traditions and serve as a symbol of what it means to be a Virginia Tech Hokie for the rest of

Ring Design Chair. Class of 2017

1911

1912

1914

1922

Four Virginia Tech rings were realized in the 1911-1912 school session – in this order, 1913, 1912, 1914, and 1911.

Among the earliest Virginia Tech rings, this signet-style ring with a flat stone, used the 1912 class emblem for the design.

First class to select a committee for ring design.

First women’s miniature ring offered.

Miniature rings were often used as engagement rings.

Over the past few years, we have experienced changes as the class of 2017. We have welcomed a new university president, athletic director, and men’s basketball coach. We have watched the building of several impressive new facilities. Finally, we have withstood and enjoyed two separate “Snowpocalypses.” Through these exciting times, we will continue to forge ahead to the future while reflecting on our past and living our class motto, “Transcend With Tradition.”

an honor. I am delighted to share with you the Ring Design Team’s efforts. I hope that you all wear the tradition proudly and never forget what makes you a Hokie.

Photo by Ivan Morozov

our lives. Despite the ever-changing world that we live in today, I know that our class will accomplish tremendous things. Wherever you might find yourself after graduation, I know you will be able to look at your class ring and remember the traditions it embodies, the memories you made, and the beginning of your lifelong journey as Hokies. The community that envelops Virginia Tech is one we are privileged to be a part of, and is one that truly represents the core values of the University. As we create memories of our own and move on to different careers and places around the world, this ring will unite us and forever serve as an everlasting token of our class’ strength and diversity.

Photo by Ivan Morozov

As we unite as a Hokie community, we recognize that each Hokie tells a unique story. Our experiences at Virginia Tech are truly one of a kind, and I encourage you to enjoy this celebration with us.

Participating with the class ring committee, one of the oldest traditions here at Virginia Tech, was truly

1934

1940

1942

1958

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

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

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

First ring to depict the War Memorial Pylons.

Photo by Ivan Morozov

DESIGN & PROCESS

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1969

Ray Smoot is a member of the 1969 “Power Class”.

1971

First ring to depict the Skipper Cannon.

1984

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

1992

Modern HokieBird first appears on a ring.

Photo by Ivan Morozov

2017 CLASS RING COMMITTEE Back to Front, Left to Right:

Daniel Mun, Member at Large; Vince Lawton, Male Member at Large; Cal Wontrop, Dance Chair; Pat Finn, President; Chris Willging, Member at Large; Becky Oswalt,

Photo by Amanda Brown ’15

Female Member at Large; Jack Crockett, Cadet Member at Large; Thomas Arruda, Chair.

2000

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

2011

Celebrated 100 years of the ring tradition.

First ring to offer the option of genuine Hokie Stone as a stone choice.

2015

First year when the Hokie Tracks were used as a chain in the bezel.

CLASS SIDE INTERLOCKING CHAIN OF 32 HOKIE TRACKS

MCAFEE’S KNOB LANE STADIUM AND FIVE FIREWORKS

LANE HALL

HOKIEBIRD/BUCKEYE NUT/ COMMONWEALTH CUP/ SNOW SHOVEL

FIGHTING GOBBLER WITH THE TRADITIONAL VIRGINIA TECH LOGO FOOTSTEPS THAT TRANSFORM INTO HOKIE TRACKS

THE CLASS OF 2017 LOGO

DUCK POND GAZEBO AND BRIDGE/DUCK COUPLE

CLASS OF 2017 MOTTO “TRANSCEND WITH TRADITION”

HOKIE STONE

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INTERLOCKING CHAIN OF 32 HOKIE TRACKS

HOKIEBIRD/BUCKEYE NUT/ COMMONWEALTH CUP/ SNOW SHOVEL

A chain of 32 Hokie tracks circle the bezel in remembrance of those lost on April 16th, 2007.

LANE HALL

Originally as Barracks #1 on campus, historic Lane Hall on the Upper Quad, built in 1888, was recognized in 2015 on the National Register of Historic Places.

FIGHTING GOBBLER WITH THE TRADITIONAL VIRGINIA TECH LOGO This vintage logo sits across from the modern day HokieBird, a symbol of our journey from the past to present paying homage to the traditions that make us Hokies.

FOOTSTEPS THAT TRANSFORM INTO HOKIE TRACKS These imprints in the snow not only bridge the old Virginia Tech traditions to the new, but serve as a symbol of our journey at Virginia Tech from new students to VirginiaTechforlife.

DUCK POND GAZEBO AND BRIDGE/DUCK COUPLE

One of Virginia Tech’s most famous landmarks and natural beauties, the Duck Pond with gazebo and bridge is an iconic spot on Virginia Tech’s campus. Side by side swim the duck couple, a common sight to see.

HOKIE STONE

The Hokie Stone depicted on the shanks of the ring reminds students of the neo-gothic architecture and stonework seen all around campus, on buildings old and new.

MCAFEE’S KNOB

A staple on the Hokie Bucket List, the hike to McAfee’s Knob, a rock outcropping on the Appalachian Trail, provides a majestic view of the mountains and the quintessential photo op.

LANE STADIUM AND FIVE FIREWORKS

Home to Virginia Tech football and thousands of screaming Hokie fans, Lane Stadium and Worsham Field has been the place to be for five decades. The fireworks represent those five decades so eat a turkey leg, cheer as loud as you can, and always jump for “Enter Sandman.”

Depressed beneath the HokieBird’s foot lies a buckeye nut, highlighting the triumphant defeat of the eventual National Champion Ohio State Buckeye’s on September 6, 2014. The Commonwealth Cup represents the many years in a row that Virginia Tech football has held dominance over state rival University of Virginia. And lastly, the snow shovel highlights the unprecedented amount of snow and snow days that the class of 2017 has experienced during their time at Virginia Tech, surviving Blacksburg’s infamous long winters.

THE CLASS OF 2017 LOGO

The class of 2017 logo incorporates a 1 and a 7 into the modern day Virginia Tech athletics logo to represent our year of graduation.

CLASS OF 2017 MOTTO “TRANSCEND WITH TRADITION”

A true testament to our class of 2017’s drive to go above and beyond what is set forth in front of them while remembering Virginia Tech’s traditions and always carrying with them a true sense of Hokie pride.

CXLIII

The class of 2017 is the 143rd class to graduate from the university.

UNIVERSITY SIDE

SCREAMING EAGLE THE THREE STARS THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA FLAG

TECH TRIUMPH 1872

CORPS OF CADETS CREST

UNIVERSITY SHIELD

“WE REMEMBER”

“LEST WE FORGET”

SKIPPER CANNON BURRUSS HALL

AMERICAN FLAG WITH SEVEN STARS

TEN COMMEMORATIVE STONES OF THE APRIL 16TH MEMORIAL

TWO SILHOUETTES

UT PROSIM

FLAMING VT

CROSSED SABRES

MMXVII

THE PYLONS OF WAR MEMORIAL

TECH TRIUMPH

SKIPPER CANNON

“Tech Triumph” is not only the name of Virginia Tech’s fight song, but the spirit and pride that Hokies take to heart.

A booming tradition at Tech football games since 1964, the “Skipper” was named in honor of President John F. Kennedy, and is operated and maintained by the Corps of Cadets.

1872

Virginia Tech was founded in 1872 as a land grant, agricultural and mechanical military college.

BURRUSS HALL

UNIVERSITY SHIELD

Created in 1896, the seal’s four quadrants depict the Great Seal of the Commonwealth; the surveyor’s level and leveling rod; a standing ear of corn; and a chemical retort MMXVII and graduate, representing the agricultural Class of 2017 is shown in Roman numerals. and mechanical emphasis in the university’s early history.

“LEST WE FORGET”

Etched on “The Rock” memorial located in the upper quad, these words honor the Virginia Tech alumni who lost their lives in World War I.

AMERICAN FLAG WITH SEVEN STARS

The seven stars depicted on the American flag honor the seven Virginia Tech alumni awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

TWO SILHOUETTES

On each side of the Skipper Canon, silhouetted figures highlight new era with the installment of our 16th president Dr. Timothy D. Sands and the departure of one of Virginia Tech’s most esteemed presidents, Dr. Charles W. Steger.

FLAMING VT

The Flaming VT is a homecoming tradition and represents the Hokie Spirit that burns inside of every Virginia Tech student.

SCREAMING EAGLE

Featured on every class ring since 1911, the eagle, with wings spread around Burruss and the April 16th memorial signifies strength and freedom.

THE THREE STARS

The three stars represent generations of Hokies past, present, and future.

THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA FLAG

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

CORPS OF CADETS CREST

The Corps of Cadets Crest, designed by alumnus Harry D. Temple ’34, embodies the very tradition that the university was founded upon as an all-cadet military college.

“WE REMEMBER”

We remember those 32 Hokies who lost their lives on April 16th, 2007.

An iconic Hokie Stone building, Burruss Hall was completed in 1936 and named after Virginia Tech’s eighth president Julian Ashby Burruss, an alumnus of the class of 1898.

Burruss Hall hosts many campus events as well as serving administrative and academic purposes.

TEN COMMEMORATIVE STONES OF THE APRIL 16TH MEMORIAL In front of Burruss Hall, the April 16th memorial and 10 of its stones are showcased to reflect the 10 years of remembrance for each one of the 32 Hokies who lost their lives on that day.

UT PROSIM

Etched in 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.

CROSSED SABRES

An original feature on the earliest Virginia Tech class rings serves as a strong reminder of Virginia Tech’s military heritage.

THE PYLONS OF WAR MEMORIAL

The Pylons evoke Virginia Tech’s core values of Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and UT PROSIM. The Cenotaph bears the names of the seven Virginia Tech alumni awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Class of 2017 MEN’S

TRIUMPH OVAL TOP

WASHINGTON

TRIUMPH STADIUM TOP

TRIUMPH SQUARE TOP

CENOTAPH

SKIPPER

BEZEL OPTIONS FOR THE TRIUMPH RING

OVAL

STADIUM

STADIUM

SQUARE

TOP

TOP

TOP

TOP

WITHOUT HOKIE TRACKS

HOKIE TRACKS

RAYMOND D. SMOOT JR. COLLECTION

Class of 2017 WOMEN’S

DRILLFIELD

LANE

TRIUMPH SQUARE TOP

SOLITUDE

TRIUMPH MINIATURE OVAL TOP

HUCKLEBERRY (VT SHANKS)

SMITHFIELD

THE GROVE

METAL TOP OPTIONS FOR THE TRIUMPH RING

VT

CORPS

HIGHTY TIGHTY

PYLONS

SCHOOL SEAL

SEAL

SEAL

SEAL

RAYMOND D. SMOOT JR. COLLECTION

Photo by Ivan Morozov

A CUSTOM CREATION

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or each class, the Ring Design Committee is chosen during the 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

WAX RING

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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.

METAL RING TREE

FILING

POLISHING

HE HOKIE GOLD LEGACY PROGRAM was established as a class of 1964 anniversary program to have gold from donated Virginia Tech alumni class rings 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 future Hokie Gold melts.

Each year, some donated Hokie Gold will be passed down to the next class in perpetuity.

SIMULATED GEMSTONES

RING PRICING

MEN’S STYLES

Balfour Premium Silver™ 10K

Triumph 40 DWT Triumph 34 DWT Triumph 28 DWT Triumph 22 DWT Washington Skipper Cenotaph

$ 654 $ 628 $ 595 $ 568 $ 399 $ 399 $ 399

$ 1,348 $ 1,187 $ 1,058 $ 918 $ 556 $ 554 $ 554

Triumph 12 DWT Triumph 5 DWT Triumph 3 DWT Drillfield Lane Smithfield CZ Smithfield Diamond Solitude CZ Solitude Diamond Huckleberry The Grove

$ 491 $ 391 $ 391 $ 391 $ 390 $ 390 $ 412 $ 390 $ 480 $ 390 $ 391

$ 660 $ 499 $ 456 $ 467 $ 446 $ 446 $ 468 $ 446 $ 536 $ 446 $ 467

14K 18K Celestrium™ $ 1,794 $ 1,583 $ 1,361 $ 1,150 $ 701 $ 697 $ 697

Balfour

WOMEN’S STYLES Premium Silver™ 10K

Photo by Ivan Morozov

OPTIONS & PRICING

$ 2,343 $ 2,023 $ 1,713 $ 1,414 $ 840 $ 836 $ 836

$ 254 $ 254 $ 254 $ 254 $ 254 $ 254 $ 254

January Garnet

May Emerald

14K $ 823 $ 575 $ 501 $ 518 $ 491 $ 491 $ 513 $ 491 $ 581 $ 491 $ 518

February Amethyst

March Aquamarine

June Alexandrite

18K Celestrium™ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

979 $ 244 671 $ 244 608 $ 244 619 $ 244 598 $ 244 598 $ 244 620 $ 266 598 N/A 688 N/A 598 $ 244 619 $ 244

April White Spinel

July August Ruby Peridot

September October November December Blue Spinel Green Tourmaline Topaz Blue Zircon

Onyx

Tangerine

Fireblue

Rose Zircon

Also Available in genuine Hokie Stone! *Stone color will vary

STONE PRICING

GENUINE STONES 13x11 12x10 8x6 Citrine Light Aquamarine Medium Aquamarine Swiss Blue Topaz London Blue Topaz Rhodolite Garnet Mozambique Garnet Light Amethyst Medium Amethyst Dark Amethyst Peridot Smokey Topaz Hokie Stone Oval Hokie Stone Square Hope Blue Star Sapphire Brown Tiger Eye Wyoming Jade

$ 168 $ 464 $ 493 $ 220 $ 220 $ 530 $ 215 $ 218 $ 252 $ 325

$ 126 $ 327 $ 409 $ 173 $ 173 $ 352 $ 173 $ 158 $ 189 $ 306

$ 42 $ 97 $ 94 $ 52 $ 52 $ 147 $ 105 $ 55­­­­ $ 84

$ 133­­­­ $ 1455 $ 1392 $ 150­­­­ $ 250 $ 234 $ 52­­­­ $ 28 $ 26 $ 19­­­­ $ 37 $ 32 $ 24 $ 115 $ 105 $ 63 $ 52 $ 52 $ 42 $ 52 $ 42 $ 42­­­­

DIAMONDS $ 42 1 Pt. 2 Pts. $ 52 3 Pts. $ 79 5 Pts. $ 110 10 Pts. $ 121 20 Pts. $ 350 25 Pts. $ 399

MORE OPTIONS:

CUBIC ZIRCONIA $ 16 1 Pt. 2 Pts. $ 21 3 Pts. $ 24 5 Pts. $ 31 10 Pts. $ 31 20 Pts. $ 29 25 Pts. $ 58

• 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.

Please visit a Balfour representative at campus ring sale dates for more information.

PAYMENT OPTIONS: • PAYMENT IN FULL: Your payment may be with cash, check, credit card, or a combination of all of the above.

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

RING DANCE TRADITION

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From the 1969 Bugle

ver the past eighty 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.

RING DANCE WEEKEND April 1-2, 2016 Class of 2017

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

JOIN US IN APRIL

Photo by Ann Prideaux ‘17

A

CAL WONTROP

Ring Dance Chair, Class of 2017

s we begin our junior year, I believe that it is the perfect time to celebrate how much we have grown and all that we have accomplished thus far as well as look forward to the lifelong friends and memories we will make while at Virginia Tech.

Each of us has experienced, and come to embody, the intangible force that binds us all which can only be described as “Hokie Spirit.” I am amazed and inspired by the men and women of the class of 2017 and have no doubt that we will all accomplish great things during our time at Virginia Tech and in the years to come. The Class Ring Tradition is meant to be a tangible celebration and commemoration of all that we will take from our experience at this great university. I look forward to when we come together again for an entire weekend of celebrating the ring, and most importantly each and every one of you, the class of 2017.

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 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 then hidden by their freshmen escorts until the dance. At the conclusion

of the song, hundreds of balloons are released on students below.

The grand finale of the weekend takes place after the Saturday night dance at midnight with a spectacular show of fireworks over the Drillfield.

It is traditional for the students to watch from the War Memorial. Finally, “Silver Taps” is played and a report from the Skipper Cannon concludes the event.

SAVE THE DATE for Ring Dance Weekend April 1-2, 2016

Please join the 2017 Ring Dance Committee, 2017 Leadership Team, and your fellow classmates to celebrate the Virginia Tech Ring tradition and all that our class has and will continue to accomplish. The 2017 Ring Dance Committee and I are proud to serve you and are dedicated to providing a weekend of unforgettable memories. I look forward to seeing you there!

Photo courtesy of University Relations

On behalf of the 2017 Ring Dance Committee, it is my distinct honor to invite you to join us for the 2017 Ring Dance. This grand occasion will commemorate 106 years of the Virginia Tech class ring tradition and 82 years of the Virginia Tech Ring Dance. Ring Dance, held April 1 and 2, will feature two nights of dancing on Friday and Saturday. Fireworks on Saturday night at midnight will be the closing act to the weekend’s festivities.

Photo by Ivan Morozov

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.

ONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR C ORDERING ADDITIONAL RINGS: Additional rings may

be ordered at any time. After December 31, 2017, 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.­

Back to Front, Left to Right:

Photo by Amanda Brown ’15

Row 1: Vince Lawton, Daniel Mun, Pat Finn Row 2: Danny Facchina, Cal Wontrop, Delk Koolman, Reid Thomas Row 3: Matt Turk, Thomas Arruda, Sam Swanson Row 4: Pat Dupont, Jack Crockett, Chris Willging Row 5: Kati Roberts, Allison Crandell, Brooke Hubbard, Jenna Craig Row 6: Maddie Walters, Ann Beverley Prideaux, Kate Smucker, Ella Wade Row 7: Becky Oswalt, Niki Khandelwal, Lindsey Bittinger, Stella Thai, Becca Toser Not pictured: Timmy Maloney

www.vt.edu/classring www.class.alumni.vt.edu/2017 www.alumni.vt.edu/classrings

Scan the QR Code with your smartphone to learn more about the class of 2017 ring.

Class Programs Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

Photo by Ivan Morozov

CLASS LEADERSHIP TEAM