Saturday, March 23, was a special day at Longwood.
Under the dome of the Rotunda, with their families and Longwood alums looking on, a group of students received their long-awaited class rings.
Longwood’s annual Ring Ceremony marks this important and symbolic moment in the Longwood experience. The class ring is a tangible representation of a student’s academic accomplishments, recognizing the hard work, dedication and perseverance that went into earning their degree.
The Ring Ceremony tradition actually begins the day before the ceremony. Staff from the alumni office place all rings in a treasure chest designed and decorated by members of CHI, Princeps and CAHOOTS. The chest remains in the Rotunda overnight under the watchful eye of Joanie on the Stony, one of three sculptures on campus depicting Joan of Arc, Longwood’s patron hero.
Rings are presented during the ceremony the next day. This year Vice President for Student Affairs Cameron Patterson ’10, M.S. ’17, and Alumni Board secretary Kathy Moore Verhappen ’90 welcomed students and their families to the ceremony and luncheon.
Think your student might be interested in a class ring?
A Balfour representative will be on campus tomorrow, Tuesday, March 26, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Upchurch University Center to answer questions. Students can look at ring options, find out their ring size and even order their rings.
—Sabrina Brown