VIRGINIA TECH WEAR THE TRADITION
CLASS OF 2025
balfour.com/vt
The Virginia Tech class ring invokes and embodies the memories, traditions, and pride that tie Hokies of all generations together. Dating back to the 1911-1912 school year, when the classes of 1911 - 1914 designed four unique rings, the Ring Tradition allows every Virginia Tech class the opportunity to create a reminder of their years at this university.
Your 2025 Class Officers select a Ring Design Committee responsible for the design and marketing of our class ring collection, while adding elements that reflect their shared experiences on the class side. Today, Virginia Tech is one of only a few colleges and universities that redesigns their ring collection each year.
One hundred and fifty years ago Virginia Tech’s first student, Addison Caldwell, walked 26 miles from his hometown to register at the newly established Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College.
The small, all-white, all-male military institution has since evolved. Virginia Tech is a large research university which is diverse in both educational programming, the students, and the international community it serves.
The Class of 2025 is proud to include on their ring the 1872 university side which is a permanent recognition of the most beloved and treasured traditional elements that represent Virginia Tech. This tradition began with the Class of 2023. Because of this permanent celebration, we are now forwarding this new design into the next 150 years.
MR. JAMES G PETRINE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 1980
MS. DEBORAH L. PETRINE PAMPLIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 1978
JIM AND DEBBIE PETRINE LIFETIME HOKIES
CLASS SPONSOR KIM O’ROURKE
VICE PRESIDENT FOR POLICY AND GOVERNENCE
Kim O’Rourke is a double Hokie having received both her Bachelors of Science in Business and her Masters of Business Administration from Virginia Tech. She is a proud Class of 1993 graduate.
Kim was a first generation student, meaning nobody in her family had previously gone to college, as well as being a non-traditionally aged student. Kim worked full time for Virginia Tech and raised a family while earning her degrees.
O’Rourke currently serves as the Vice President of Policy and Governance for Virginia Tech. Through her role, she supports the governance framework of the university, provides strategic guidance, manages and communicates policy to uplift the institution, and provides direct support to the Board of Visitors. Kim worked hand in hand with Debbie Petrine during the time Debbie served on the
board and as Rector. Kim has served Virginia Tech in a number of capacities over the 30 years that she has worked for the university. Her previous roles include Chief of Staff to the President, the Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Development and University Relations, and Budget Analyst. During Kim’s time at Virginia Tech, she has supported two university presidents, many more Board of Visitor members, seen the university through a major crisis, communicated countless policies, supported the creation of many strategic plans, and continuously upheld the spirit of Ut Prosim.
SPRING FESTIVAL
In the spring of 2022, the Class of 2024, hosted a new tradition for the sophomore class. Springfest is an event filled with creating lasting memories and building class unity with the revelation of the class colors, motto, logo, and the class sponsor and ring namesake. The Class of 2025 planned Springfest to be held March 31st, 2023 on the Drillfield. Unfortunately, the event had to be canceled due to poor weather. Reveals were posted on the class Instagram page (@vtclassof25) and merchandise was distributed throughout the semester.
PRINCESS MERRITT
I love the ring tradition but what I love most about it is that I have been able to work with this team to make something special for all of you. Making this tradition our own has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Virginia Tech. I hope you love the ring as much as we loved creating it. Our ring connects all of us and I am so excited to share these memories with all of you! Wishing you all love and excitement and most of all let it be a reminder to ignite your curiosity.
RING DESIGN CHAIR
HANNAH CROOK
The Ring encapsulates our class’s experiences and achievements, on a memento that we have the pride of wearing for the rest of our lives. The ring is a physical reminder of our successes and fond memories we’ve had during our time as Hokies. It is such an honor to continue the legacy of this meaningful tradition, as the Class of 2025 leaves their mark in Virginia Tech’s history.
RING DANCE CHAIR
DANIELLA ESPINOZA
The Virginia Tech Ring Dance means coming together as a class and celebrating the accomplishments we have made so far, and the ones we’ll make in the future. As a first-generation student who stepped foot onto Virginia Tech’s campus as a freshman with little to no knowledge of our traditions. It has been an honor to get to plan the ring celebration and demonstrate what being a Hokie is truly about. The ring dance allows students to come together and celebrate their past, present, and future as a part of Hokie Nation.
RING DESIGN COMMITTEE
BACK ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
ZANE EDMONDS
Ring Design Committee Member at Large
KEVIN PAINCHAUD
Member at Large
TJ BROOKS
Male Member at Large
DANIELLA ESPINOZA
Ring Dance Chair
OLIVIA DORSEY
Female Member at Large
HANNAH CROOK
Ring Design Chair
PRINCESS MERRITT
President
ELIZABETH SCHWEND
Cadet Member at Large
2025 LEADERSHIP TEAM
BACK TO FRONT, LEFT TO RIGHT
BACK ROW 1: Zane Edmonds, Diego Valencia, Jason Liu, Kevin Painchaud
BACK ROW 2: Olivia Dorsey, Sydney Weeks, Maya Snyder
MIDDLE ROW: Augustine Duku, Kori Ridley, Daniella Espinoza, Sarvani Kasibhotla
FRONT ROW 1: Thomas Keenan, Princess Merritt, Hannah Crook, Kyra Bray
FRONT ROW 2: TJ Brooks, Elizabeth Schwend, Skylar Chace, Maysia Mateos, Madison Abbate
(NOT PICTURED: Evan McAndrews & Mikey Aventura).
DESIGN
TRADITION MADE NEW
The Ring Design Committee chose the most important elements of their student experience to reflect the Class of 2025 and preserve the rich history of past class rings. In partnership with Balfour, after many long hours and artist renderings, the team produced a ring design they proudly present to you.
The 2025 design includes the university side, which was established by the Class of 2022 during the sesquicentennial year as the ongoing design. The university side includes Burruss Hall, Torgerson Bridge, and the motto, “Ut Prosim”. These university elements connect all Hokies, alumni, students, and future Hokies. The class side is redesigned each year.
The Ring Design Committee showcases the diversity of their class, memories like rushing the Worsham Field, and historical moments like the 2025 Corps of Cadets cutting their own crossbelts for the first time. The overall ring collection, which includes signet and fashion rings, is also selected by the committee.
CONSTRUCTION
A CUSTOM CREATION
The Ring Design Committee worked hard to ensure their ring encapsulates the Class of 2025 Hokie experience. The committee presented their concept to a Balfour artist who professionally rendered the design, which was digitized into a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. Wax molds are then created based on the CAD file.
The ring production process involves molten metal being poured into the master wax mold to develop the basis of the custom and highly cherished class rings. Each individual ring is made to order, passing through the skilled hands of over 30 expert craftspeople. The ring is then subject to seven detailed inspections, to ensure it meets all quality standards, before being delivered to the Class of 2025.
HOKIE GOLD TRADITION
In the year 2012, members of the Corps class of 1964 M Company decided to start a new tradition. Hokie alumni from the classes of 1964 to 2014 came together and donated their gold class rings to be melted down and put into a new generation of rings. Since then, small pieces of each annual melt are preserved for the next year, to be combined with the gold used in the upcoming class’ rings, so that any Hokie with a gold ring, will have the Hokie Gold of previous years with them. This year, the Ring Design Committee of the Class of 2025 had the honor of pouring the molten gold into the molds for our class rings. A class ring from 1961 was donated for the team to melt, in addition to a piece of Class of 2024’s gold that they melted last year. Our Ring Design Chair, Hannah Crook, suited up to pour our molten gold into the mold. “It was such a gratifying experience to have years of history in my hands, it is so meaningful to have had this unique opportunity, and is remarkable to me that our class’s legacy will continue for generations to come, as this tradition continues.”
HOKIE TRACKS
SLICE OF BENNY ´ S PIZZA GLOBE
CLASS LOGO
sound icon rushed field
center st.
home instagram like fireworks
1. 150 Banner
As first-year students, the 150th Sesquicentennial Banner could be spotted hanging anywhere across campus, indicating a strong feel for embedded history within Virginia Tech, as well as celebrating Virginia Tech history with one another, as we began to move in.
2. globe
The Class of 2025 is one of the most diverse classes in Virginia Tech history, with Hokies joining us from around the world. We come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Best of all, we are all proud Hokies.
3. Hokie Tracks
Having some of the highest counts of international Hokies on campus, these Hokie tracks travel from areas all across the world, ultimately coming together, here in Blacksburg.
4. FIREWORKS
The Fireworks can be seen exploding over campus during many campus events, sports victories, celebrations, and other traditions.
5. rushed field
A glorified win at the first game back in Lane Stadium against UNC, adrenaline and excitement filled the stadium as we stormed the field in celebration of such a monumental victory.
6. SLICE OF BENNY S PIZZA
Whether it’s after a football game or on a random Tuesday night, Benny Marzano’s Pizza provides a warm slice of cheesy goodness on two plates, to all Hokies.
CLASS SIDE
7. CLASS LOGO
Our class logo is a unique symbol that identifies us as the class of 2025. With our logo on t-shirts, stickers, and even wearing it on this ring, we represent our pride to be Hokies in the class of 2025.
8. SOUND ICON
Honoring the biannual midnight scream, where Hokies release one major scream, from all over campus, at midnight on the night before final exams commence.
9. CENTER ST.
Being one of the most iconic spots for our Hokie gatherings, Center Street unites friends, alumni, peers, and family to celebrate game days with newsworthy amounts of school spirit.
10. “HOME“
While Hokies come from all over the country and the world, with a multitude of perspectives and cultures, we all call ourselves Hokies. Sharing our love for Blacksburg as we celebrate being a part of Hokie Nation, “This is Home” after all.
11. INSTAGRAM LIKE
With our class being admitted during the midst of the pandemic, we used social media to connect with one another before coming to campus, and even after we got to campus. This was a crucial way that many of us made strong connections with fellow members of our class.
12. constellation
Drillfield is a great place to stargaze, and thanks to the James Webb Telescope, during our first year we got to experience some of the most high-defined photographs of galaxies, milky-ways, and
nebulas due to the advancements of NASA.
13. moon
As we scream Enter Sandman at various campus events, the moon represents the chorus “Exit Light, Enter Night”, as we proudly cheer on our fellow Hokies.
14. tornado
Starting off our first year with some speed, how could we forget about the local twister touching ground, putting us away in our dorms to the sound of a series of emergency sirens.
15. mountains
Resembling the beautiful rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, this mountain range welcomes Hokies home to their beloved and scenic school.
16. DRILLFIELD
Whether it’s walking across the paths to get to class on a cold winter day, playing games with friends, or walking around meeting new clubs at Gobblerfest, the Drillfield provides the perfect gathering place, uniting our class and the university.
17. CASSELL TRANSFORMING INTO THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Our basketball team took their talents and energy from Cassell Coliseum here in Blacksburg to Brooklyn, New York, to play in the 2022 ACC Championship Tournament.
18. ACC TROPHY + CONFETTI
The basketball team overcame some of our greatest rivalries to win our firstever ACC Championship title. Welcoming
the team and the ACC Championship trophy back to Blacksburg was such a prideful and unifying moment, showing the strong support we have for our fellow Hokies.
19. 00:00
The time 00:00 located within the crossbelts, also known as “Quad Zero,” is meant to pay homage to all of the victims of the April 16 tragedy, due to the annual candlelight vigil held at this time on April 16. It is placed within the crossbelts to specifically highlight the cadets who stand guard for 24 hours, protecting the memorial.
20. CROSSBELT
The cadets in the Class of 2025 were the first to make their own crossbelts, from punching the hovles and putting the pins in the white bands, to cutting and adjusting them themselves.
21. COMPUTER MOUSE
The second we clicked accept in our applicant portals we digitally committed to joining the global network known as the Hokie Nation. Despite being unfamiliar with the format of classes, we were able to adapt to all variations of learning.
22. SEISMOGRAPH
As everyone was ecstatic to be back in lively Lane Stadium, we made so much noise that we were seen on the Richter Scale. The seismograph represents the uproar Enter Sandman creates, and how powerful Hokie Nation can be.
EIGHT STARS
U.S. FLAG
the corps of cadet ´ s crest
torgersen bridge
three stars
the university shield
THE PYLONS OF THE WAR MEMORIAL commonwealth flag of virginia the cenotaph
screaming eagle ut prosim
1. EIGHT STARS.
THE 1872 SHIELD
lest we forget
crossed sabres
UNIVERSITY SIDE
Eight stars recognize the eight Virginia Tech alumni recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award bestowed upon a member of the U.S. Armed Forces for selfless service to the nation.
2. U.S. FLAG.
The U.S. Flag represents the ideal of democracy and freedom that we strive towards as a nation.
3. THE CORPS OF CADETS CREST
The Corps Crest, designed by Col. Harry D Temple ‘34, representsthe tradition that the university was founded on as an all-cadetmilitary academy.
4. TORGERSEN BRIDGE
Named for the university’s 14th president, Paul Torgersen, Torgersen Bridge acts as a symbolic gateway to campus.
5. THE PYLONS OF THE WAR MEMORIAL
Engraved on the Pylons are the core values of Virginia Tech: Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim.
6. SCREAMING EAGLE
Featured on every class ring since 1911, the screaming eagle is a majestic symbol of strength and courage.
7. THREE STARS
Three stars represent past, present, and future Hokies, who carry Virginia Tech spirit and traditions throughout their lives.
8. BURRUSS HALL
Named to honor Julian Burruss, Class of 1898, the university’s 8th president, Burruss Hall hosts many exciting events including guest speakers, concerts, and Ring Premiere.
9. COMMONWEALTH FLAG OF VIRGINIA
As a land-grant university, Virginia Tech proudly displays the flag of the Commonwealth.
10. UT PROSIM
The university’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) was established in 1896 and remains an enduring principle of Virginia Tech.
11. THE UNIVERSITY SHIELD
Established in 1896, the University Shield’s four quadrants depict the Great Seal of Commonwealth: the surveyor’s level and leveling rod, a standing ear of corn, and a chemical retort and graduate, which represent the agricultural and mechanical emphasis in the university’s early history.
12. THE 1872 SHIELD
The 1872 shield marks the founding year of Virginia Tech as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, and replicates the shield found on the first-ever class ring in 1911.
13. THE CENOTAPH
In the center of the War Memorial, The Cenotaph bears the names of Virginia Tech alumni awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
14. LEST WE FORGET
These words are etched on “The Rock”, a memorial on Upper Quad, to honor Virginia Tech alumni who gave their lives in military service during World War I.
15. CROSSED SABRES
A feature of the earliest Virginia Tech class rings, the crossed sabers serve as a reminder of the university’s military heritage, history, and tradition.
THE PETRINE COLLECTION
METAL TOP OPTIONS FOR THE PETRINE RING
CLASS OF 2025
PETRINE SQUARE TOP
PETRINE MINI OVAL
PETRINE STADIUM TOP
PETRINE OVAL TOP
RING DANCE
The Ring Dance is one of Virginia Tech’s oldest traditions, symbolizing the transition from junior to senior and the long-awaited presentation of the class ring. On April 27, 1934, the Class of 1935 held the first-ever Ring Dance in the midst of the Great Depression.
The Ring Dance takes place during the spring semester of a student’s junior year; those who purchase a ring are eligible for tickets to attend.
The celebration includes a ceremonial Class Ring Presentation, held in Squires Commonwealth Ballroom. Couples attending receive ribbons in their class colors used to tie one another’s rings to their wrist for presentation.
Time-honored rituals are performed by the Corps of Cadets, as they have been since 1934. Including marching into the ballroom to form the Ring Figure of the graduating class, and the formation of the saber arch. Underneath the arch, firstyear Cadet mentees escort each graduating Cadet’s date.
Written for the 1942 Ring Dance by Fred Waring and Charles Gaynor, “Moonlight and V.P.I.,” is performed in the background as rings are presented to class members. As the song concludes, hundreds of balloons float down onto the students below.
At the end of the Saturday night dance, the Corps Gregory Guard stands guard at the Pylons, while “Echo Taps’’ is played by two buglers from the Signal Corps. The Skipper Cannon is then fired over Drillfield, ending the ceremony. The grand finale takes place on the final night of the dance, with a firework display showcased over the Drillfield, signaling another year of treasured University tradition coming to a close.
2025 RING DANCE COMMITTEE
FROM TOP LEFT TO BOTTOM
Thoman Keenan
Sydney Weeks
Augustine Duku
Kori Ridley
Daniella Espinoza
Maya Snyder
Sarvani Kasibhotla
Skylar Chace
Maysia Mateos
Madison Abbate
NOT PICTURED:
Evan McAndrews
Mikey Aventura.
PRICING
PETRINE 40 DWT
PETRINE 34 DWT
PETRINE 28 DWT
PETRINE 22 DWT
PYLON 2025
EXIT LIGHT
PETRINE 12 DWT
PETRINE 5 DWT
PETRINE MINIATURE champion
O ROURKE
VIVA CZ
VIVA DIAMOND
IGNITE CZ
IGNITE DIAMONDS
ENTER NIGHT CZ
ENTER NIGHT DIAMONDS
18K gold prices available upon request.
*Argentium Silver is tarnish resistant, hypoallergenic, brighter & more pure than Sterling Silver
*10k & 14k gold is available in yellow gold, white gold or rose gold (+$25 for rose gold)
STONE PRICING*
Hokie Stone Oval
Hokie Stone Square
Mother of Pearl
*Additional genuine stone pricing available from on-campus Balfour Representatives upon request.
*Genuine Stones not available in all ring styles
*Some Genuine Gemstones are not available for purchase online and must be selected in-person
PAYMENT IN FULL:
Your payment may be with cash, check, credit card, or a combination of all of the above.
EASY PAYMENT PLAN:
For online orders, your balance will be divided into three equal payments on your MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express and charged at 30-day intervals. Your first payment also includes sales tax, shipping and handling.
This is an abbreviation for pennyweight, which is the common term for the measurement of precious metals. Balfour uses pennyweight to calculate the amount of metal used to manufacture your custom Virginia Tech Class Ring. So as the pennyweight increases, so does the weight and thickness of your ring.
WARRANTY
LENGTHS AND CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE REGARDING DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP:
The rings are warranted to be free of defects in workmanship and materials.
LENGTH AND SCOPE OF GUARANTEE REGARDING STONES AND STONE DECORATION:
Any damaged simulated stone will be replaced at no charge regardless of the cause of damage.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR RING RESIZING AND RING ADJUSTMENTS:
The ring will be resized at any time at no charge.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED RINGS:
If, through normal wear and tear, a ring is worn beyond satisfaction, it may be exchanged for a new ring. There is no charge for this remake. If a ring is damaged beyond satisfaction outside of these parameters, another ring can be purchased for the cost of Balfour’s existing remake charge.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR ORDERING ADDITIONAL RINGS:
Additional rings may be ordered at any time. After December 31, 2025, the rings may be ordered at the prevailing price at the time of order. The prevailing price will be determined according to the cost of gold and stones at the time of ordering.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR CHANGES IN ACADEMIC COLLEGE DESTINATION:
A classmate who changes colleges at VT after a ring is purchased may return the ring one-time to be remade with proper college designation at no charge.
REFUND POLICY FOR RINGS RETURNED FOR STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO GRADUATE WITH THE CLASS DESIGNATED ON THE RING:
A classmate who fails to graduate with their Class may return the ring for a full refund less processing fees.
RESPONSIBILITY AND PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF WARRANTY CLAUSES:
The Ring Design Committee will resolve disputes as to the validity of the warranty clauses. With Balfour’s philosophy that the customer is always right, such arbitration by the Committee should never be necessary.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR RESTORING RING FINISH: Should a classmate not be totally satisfied with his or her original choice of finish, refinishing would be completed at no charge.
CONDITIONS ON HOW REPAIRS ARE MADE, WHOM TO CONTACT, AND HOW SHIPPING RATES ARE HANDLED:
Prior to graduation, service dates will be established to handle any adjustments. All shipping, handling and insurance costs will be the responsibility of Balfour during these sessions.
CLASS PROGRAMS ADVISED BY STUDENT AND YOUNG ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT.
march 22-23,2024
