By Jason B. Hogan
The university begins a new tradition for graduating seniors with a ring ceremony 6 p.m. March 28 on the west lawn of Main Campus Building.
President Maria Hernandez Ferrier, along with university alumni and former student regent Cresencio Davila, will offer welcome and congratulatory speeches during the ceremony.
This year, the university is incorporating a new tradition. In past ceremonies, graduating students crossed a stage to receive their ring. Now, students receive and put on their rings while standing over the university seal.
Miki Rubio, special events coordinator, said the university sought change in the ceremony’s presentation to begin a more meaningful tradition.
Now, when students receive their graduation ring over the university seal it will symbolize completion, Rubio said.
The ceremony will honor students who purchased their rings during fall 2012 and the current spring term, Rubio said. The cutoff date to purchase a ring was Feb. 7.
Rings are still available for purchase Rubio said, but students will not receive them in time for the ceremony.
Students also have the ability to bring any ring of choice to commemorate the ceremony. But Rubio said the university is asking anyone who plans to bring a non-university ring to contact the school prior to the ceremony.
In many cases, there are circumstances where a ring might hold special significance to the student, Rubio said — a family heirloom that has been passed down or the prospect of sharing a ring with a sibling.
In order to attend, students must RSVP no later than March 26. Students who will not participate in the event can pick up their purchased rings between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 1-5 in Room 336 at Main Campus, Rubio said. Students are required to show an ID to receive their ring.
For more information, and to RSVP, contact Rubio at 210-784-1104, or email miki.rubio@tamusa.tamus.edu.
