Virginia
Tech ~ Class of 1971
CLASS RING
totally unique and undoubtedly cocky - the 1971 class
ring
never again will a class be so highly distinguished
THE RING
text and images from
the class ring information book (pdf)
click on images for larger view
Realism
in every detail is the theme of the 1971 class ring. Many new
features establish its uniqueness while conveying the class motto,
"Spirit With New Traditions."
THE
BEZEL leads the way in the break from tradition as Virginia
Polytechnic reads clockwise and Institute reads counterclockwise
around the stone. Modified Roman is used here and throughout the
design for unity.
Dividing
the wording are two identical atomic shells, symbols of modern
technology and broadening horizons.
A
unique "71" chain completes the bezel. The 7's and 1's,
which can be read from top to bottom on either side of the stone,
are the links in the chain to show class unity and strength.
(Note
- The name of the college changed July 1, 1970 to include
"State University" to accurately reflect the scope of
the college's teachings. Although the Class of 1971 was the first
to graduate under the new name, the class ring bezel did not
reflect the name change because the ring design was finalized before
the name change.)
The
1971 class
rings are composed of a University or history side, and a
Curriculum or modern side. Pride in America was the underlying
idea, using realism as the vehicle for expression.
THE
UNIVERSITY SIDE
begins with the 1971 numerals placed together at
the top. Forming their background is the American flag of the year
of our founding, 1872.
In
another "first" the University shield has been placed to
the left of center below the numerals.
Darting
along the right of the shield is a fierce, realistic eagle, a
traditional element of the Tech ring. Partially concealing the
eagle's wing is a furled Confederate flag, a symbol of Virginia's
history, plus Tech's well known school spirit. (Note - this was
the last Tech ring to include, without option, the Confederate
flag, an element
traditionally found on Tech rings up to this point)
Clutched in
the eagle's talons is a banner proclaiming the University's motto
"Ut Prosim" - That I May Serve.
The
Corps of Cadets sabre pierces the banner and disappears behind an
open book and the lamp of knowledge, all of which form the
closing.
Laurel leaves transcend to the palm side to connect the past with
future.
THE
CURRICULUM SIDE
boasts an identical asymmetrical balance. Again
the numerals are together but with a modern-day
American flag background. To balance the University shank, the Curriculum
shield is to the left of center.
Directly
below the shield is a bold, furling Virginia flag, as new and
greater emphasis is put on this element.
The
right side has many innovations that add to the growing number of
"firsts". The torch of learning is raised high as a
guiding light. "The Skipper" is easily recognized as a symbol
of school spirit plus military bearing. A strong Va Tech banner
encircles a fasces lichtor, symbol of justice through authority. A
realistic fightin' gobbler completes the right side.
The
VT symbol forms the closing of a perfectly balanced design story
of the history and the opportunities of Virginia Tech.
THE RING
TRADITION
Virginia
Tech is one of only a few colleges and universities that maintains a
class ring tradition. The Ring program is distinctive from other
colleges in that the entire ring collection is redesigned
for each class, and rings are presented at a formal Ring Dance.
The Virginia Tech Class Ring Tradition began with the Class
of 1914, the first to choose a student committee to design a ring that
would be meaningful to the Class. The Class Ring Design Committee
since that time has been selected during the sophomore year and is
responsible for creating a collection unique to each Class.
Traditional ring collection elements have changed somewhat over time
and currently include: the screaming eagle, American
flag, campus buildings and an interlocking chain around the bezel. From
there, the Ring Committee designs a class ring representing the unique
characteristics of their respective class.
Since
1991, the ring design process includes the selection of a Class
namesake. This is done as a dedication to a distinguished alumnus or
university president.
Established
by the Class of 1935, the Ring Dance weekend takes places in the
spring of a student’s junior year. The two-day celebration includes
a banquet honoring the ring collection’s namesake, the formal Ring
Dance and fireworks.
The
strong ring tradition at Tech inspires most students to order rings.
The large number of orders and the large physical size of the rings
(up to 40 dwt) make the Tech class ring the prestige order
of the of the college ring business. The result is fierce
competition between the major ring manufacturers for Tech's class ring
business. This competition contributes to the remarkable quality,
distinctive designs and generous manufacturer guarantees for which Tech rings are traditionally known.
Manufacturers that have made Tech rings in the past include Bailey,
Banks and Biddle; Charles Elliott; George Spies; Dieges and Clust;
John Roberts; Herff-Jones; Balfour and Jostens.
The company that was awarded the privilege of making Tech's
1971 class ring was Jostens. Jostens 1971 Class Ring guarantee...
Jostens will at any time:
~ resize the ring at no
charge
~ replace broken encrusting
at no charge if stone is undamaged
~ replace the ring for any
reason for $15 plus the old ring
~ refinish the ring at no
charge
~ complete repairs in three
weeks and total replacements in four weeks
The
Class Program, through the advising of the Virginia Tech Alumni
Association, maintains the tradition of the Virginia Tech Class Ring.
Through the Association, alumni must have their class year confirmed
before either ordering or replacing a ring to ensure the continued
integrity of the program. (Actually,
Jostens does not require the Alumni Associations student
certification for repairs/resizing, and you can work directly with
them through their web site) Dating back to 1923, almost all rings
can be replaced in their original design. The Virginia Tech Ring
Display Case, which houses Virginia Tech Class rings from 1914 to
the present, is
located in the Williamsburg Room of Squires Student Center.
Read
more about the Tech class ring tradition:
here
and
here
Tech
class ring repair and replacement
procedures
Tales of lost and found Tech rings Va Tech
traditions, more about Tech
tradition
Virginia Tech Alumni
Association
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