This fall, West Virginia
University alumni can become part of a new tradition. WVU and
the WVU Alumni Association are debuting an official custom-designed
class ring to be worn only by alumni and by students who have
achieved at least junior status.
"We've created a design that
is exclusive and instantly recognizable by a WVU student or alumnus
anywhere in the world," said Colleen Heiles of ArtCarved,
a specialty jeweler which is producing and distributing the rings.
Company representatives consulted with students, alumni, and
WVU faculty and staff artists to create an original design for
both men and women.
The ring's face displays the University's most recognizable symbol, the "flying WV," over a laurel wreath background encircled with the words "West Virginia University." A diamond insert is optional. On one side of the ring is a representation of the bronze Mountaineer statue that stands in front of the Mountainlair. Behind the Mountaineer is a representation of Woodburn Hall. On the other side are the WVU seal and the wearer's graduation date.
"This is a great new tradition to start at this University," said Will Armistead of the Alumni Association. Graduates and current students have been asking for something like this for years, he said.
"This new tradition for juniors works well with the many other new traditions we've introduced on campus, like Operation Jump-Start with its resident faculty leaders, the Sophomore Launch program, class advocates, and the Mountaineer Parents Club," said President David C. Hardesty, Jr.
The class ring is a tangible personal link to the wearer's
WVU experience. It will enhance awareness among juniors and
seniors as well as graduates
that they belong to a greater University community. It identifies
those who wear it with the tradition of excellence at WVU, and
signifies that they are part of the WVU family.
The ring also serves as a reminder of WVU values as expressed in the Mountaineer Creed, including integrity, wisdom, lifelong learning, civic responsibility, and respect for human dignity. Wearers will carry with them a reminder of WVU's other traditions, including the quest for excellence and dedication of one's talents toward leadership and being a meaningful member of society.
The rings went on sale to alumni and eligible current students during Fall Family Weekend. Brochures with ordering information are being sent to all alumni. On campus, the rings will be sold exclusively by the WVU Bookstores at various locations including the Mountainlair.
—Tim Terman
|
|
|
|
|