What is the best way to symbolize years of pulling all-nighters, going to wild parties and making lifelong friends? Some students might turn to the official class ring of Ohio University.
Last year 103 students purchased a class ring, many choosing to buy online or over the telephone, said Ralph Amos, executive director of Alumni Relations. He added that he hoped to double ring sales in the next few years.
A little more than 6,000 students received degrees from OU last year, according to the Office of Institutional Research.
The rings are distributed through Balfour, a company which sends a representative to OU two or three times a year, said Charlie Gancio, territory manager in the College Division of Balfour. About 15 students turned out to buy from Gancio at the college gates two weeks ago, he said.
Although many of the rings are not purchased in person, the Balfour representative gets foot traffic from students who are curious and want to learn more about the official ring, Amos said.
The ring's style might deter some students from buying it, said senior Mitchel Baldwin. They are very odd looking
he said.
Other students want to buy the ring as a keepsake, said junior John Tyler Malloy. Ten years from now I want to look back and remember my four years at OU he said.
Each ring features OU's official seal and motto in yellow or white gold. On the inside, a Bobcat paw print is engraved, along with the buyer's choice of up to 18 characters in text, often used for name, initials, degree or year, Gancio said.
Prices range from $280 to $395 for women and $330 to $505 for men, Gancio said. Monthly payment plans are also available, he said.
OU began using an official ring 12 years ago. It is one of 250 schools that are turning back to an official ring tradition, instead of letting students personalize their rings, Gancio said.
It was designed by students who felt they wanted something professional that looked distinctly like Ohio University Amos said. Students want a ring that contributes to the heritage and tradition of OU, he said.
The difference between this and the high school ring is that the high school ring is more about being an individual who went to that school. In college
it is more about the institution
Gancio said.
The university's seal has never changed, making the ring a lifelong connection to the school, Gancio said.
The ring is kind of like a walking diploma. You will see a lot of alumni wearing it at homecoming
he said.
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