Baylor to Offer New Class Ring

WACO, Texas - A new class ring designed to showcase Baylor University's history and tradition will be unveiled for students from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, in the Barfield Drawing Room of the Bill Daniel Student Center. The rings will be shown to Baylor alumni at Homecoming in October.
"We want to create a new tradition at Baylor with a one-ring concept," said Dr. Ray Burchette, executive vice president of the Alumni Association. It is designed to honor Baylor graduates and to bind them together with a symbol of Baylor history and tradition.
The new single-design ring will be offered through the Alumni Association to students who have completed their junior year at Baylor and are certified as seniors.
The ring was produced by Balfour, the same company that produces Notre Dame and Texas A&M class rings and the Dallas Cowboys' Championship ring, according to Burchette. Balfour will start taking ring orders officially at the unveiling Sept. 27. Any student graduating in December 1995 who orders a ring before Sept. 29 will receive his ring by graduation.
More than 10 different Baylor symbols have been incorporated into the design of the ring. The bezel, or top of the ring, is a three-tiered Baylor seal.
The focal point on one shank, or side of the ring, is Pat Neff Hall. Traditional symbols on the shank include the carillons of Pat Neff, the statue of Judge Baylor, the memorial lampposts, the Christian flag with a cross and Texas state flag.
The focal point on the other shank is the towers in Burleson quadrangle. Symbols on this shank include the columns from Independence, a bear, a memorial lamppost with plaque, and a railroad spike to honor the "Immortal Ten." Both sides of the ring include strands of ivy to represent Baylor "Ringout."
The Baylor Mace will connect the two shanks at the bottom of the ring and the inscription "Sic 'Em Bears" will be inscribed inside the ring.
Any former Baylor graduate may order a ring. The cost of the rings range from $320-455 for men and $216-310 for women, depending on size and quality of gold. The rings will be available in 10K or 14K gold. A diamond may be added for an additional cost.
For more information, call the Alumni Association (817) 755-1121.