Mike’s Blessing
LSU Ring In 1998 the LSU
As part of a new Ring Ceremony tradition, LSU Rings now spend the night before the ceremony “sleeping” in Mike the Tiger’s habitat – protected under the jungle cat’s watch. “I think it’s really neat; it added more to it, knowing my ring has Mike’s blessing,” ring recipient Kathryn Hayes said of the new tradition. Ashley Territo, assistant to the vice chancellor for finance and administrative services and instrumental in the ceremony revamp, said the idea stemmed from student interest. “Mike is such a big part of students’ lives,” Territo explained. “Students are walking by, seeing how he is, and checking on him every day, so to have the rings sleep in the habitat with him is just an unbelievable experience.” “It’s LSU’s way of instilling more pride and making it more of a unique memento for students. You know that your ring spent the night under Mike’s guard,” said Student Government President and mass communication senior Taylor Cox. Territo, Cox, and the LSU Alumni Association worked together to improve and enhance the twice-a-year Ring Ceremony. One of the biggest changes was moving the event to a new venue. The popular ceremony outgrew its previous home in the Lod Cook Alumni Center, and in order to accommodate everyone, multiple ceremonies were held. But now, there’s one cohesive ceremony. The November ceremony took place in the Bo Campbell Auditorium of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes. Beginning this semester, the event will take place in the LSU Student Union Theater. Territo said she aims for Ring Ceremony participation to go from its current 40-50 percent up to 60 -70 percent. From the planning process to handing out the rings, the new ceremony has increased student involvement. The Tiger Tenors entertained guests with popular hits and classics. Miss LSU Elizabeth Connor helped mascot Mike hand out rings, and Cox and Student Government Vice President Carrie Hebert explained the rings’ symbolism. Cox didn’t just work in the ring ceremony – he was also a senior ring recipient. “My ring represents so much,” he said. “It represents my eight semesters at LSU, all the friends I’ve met during my time at this incredible university, all the hard work I’ve put into achieving my degree … It represents every single memory I’ve had at LSU.” Claire Evans, a political science junior, grew up watching her father’s “ring the size of my thumb” from the University of Texas spark conversations every time he wore it. Seeing her father’s appreciation for his ring led her to get her own this November. Evans hopes to use her LSU Ring the same way her father does, as a networking tool and a conversation starter. “Getting my ring kind of puts into perspective my time at LSU coming to a close,” she said. “It’s a really nice memento that shows you’re still part of the Tiger community.” Evans said she thought the ceremony was intimate and just the right way to begin the end of her time at LSU.
Ring Tradition C o m m i t t ee , composed of student leaders and alumni, established a ring ceremony and ring qualification standards and suggested modifications to the ring design. Fourteen years later, the LSU Alumni Association, Student Life & Enrollment, and Finance & Administrative Services joined to revamp the Ring Ceremony and add new elements to the experience of the LSU Ring. Each meticulously handcrafted ring represents the uniqueness of LSU and serves as a lasting symbol of its proud traditions and values. Oak leaves and magnolia blossoms are carved on both sides of the ring. One side features the degree received, the gates of LSU, and the official seal of the University over the last two words of the LSU Alma Mater – Forever LSU. The other side shows the year of graduation, Memorial Tower, and the face of Mike the Tiger, LSU’s fearless mascot. The letters LSU are emblazoned on top of an amethyst stone. The words Louisiana State University and the founding date of 1860 encircle the stone. Prior to commencement, students wear the ring with LSU facing them as a reminder of the goal that is within reach. Upon the granting of degrees graduates turn the ring so the letters “LSU” face outward. This symbolizes a graduate’s readiness to represent LSU in all his or her endeavors. The LSU Rings are manufactured by Balfour.
Emily Herrington, a junior public relations major in the Manship School of Mass Communication, is managing editor of The Daily Reveille. ON THE WEB www.studentlife.lsu.edu/lsu-ring Top photo: Graduates-to-be place their LSU Rings on their hands at the conclusion of the Ring Ceremony; center: from left, John Wilson, Kristi Guerin, Tracy Hippman, and Kathryn Hayes proudly display their LSU Rings; bottom: Rawley Webber, left, and Harrison Breaud show off their new rings.
24 LSU Alumni Magazine | Spring 2013