THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ETCHES TRADITION AND SYMBOLISM ONTO NEWLY AVAILABLE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY RING

FAYETTVILLE, AR — The University of Arkansas today unveiled the Official University Ring at a ceremony in the Arkansas Union. The Official Ring was unveiled by UA Chancellor John A. White, and comments on the ring’s symbolism and ideals of the tradition were made by Arkansas Alumni Association Executive Director Mike Macechko and Razorback Athletic Director Frank Broyles.

The Official Ring was developed as the one and only ring that symbolizes not only the goals achieved by UA graduates, but also to create a tradition with the purposes of fostering loyalty, pride and recognition of the University of Arkansas among graduates and alumni.

"Never before has there been a tangible, lasting symbol of the common bond that graduates of the University of Arkansas share, and that will go with them everywhere," White said. "That is, until now. The Official University of Arkansas Ring captures the very essence of shared achievement and pride as well as the memories of the shared experiences that make the University so unique and so beloved by its alumni.

"Each aspect of this ring symbolizes the uniqueness of experiences shared only by those students who studied beneath the towers of old main, who walked on senior walk and who, with uplifted hands, called the Hogs. No other ring will have these symbols," White added.

The Official Ring’s symbolism emphasizes the common bond and shared experience of all University of Arkansas graduates, and also invokes each wearer to display their own unique story.

On the Bezel, the image of Old Main is the focal point and depicted as a "Beacon of Hope" as it is in the University of Arkansas Alma Mater.

Also among the primary features of the ring is Senior Walk, a unique tradition at the University of Arkansas.

"Senior Walk is the tie that binds all alumni together, so it's only fitting that it should figure prominently in the story told by the University's Official Ring," Macechko said.

The Ring also features a spirit side on which the focal point is the big "A" for "Arkansas, through which the Razorback is shown jumping.

"What an exciting concept — to have an official ring for all UA graduates symbolizing all the element of their collegiate experience," Broyles said. "It will be worn with pride as a symbol of earning a degree from the University of Arkansas, and will serve as a connection with others who share that same pride and school spirit. It will serve as significant motivation to become a graduate and become part of this new tradition. Wherever they go, UA graduates will recognize one another as fellow Razorbacks by the wearing of this Official Ring."

The Official Ring will only be available to those University of Arkansas students who have achieved verified senior status. Seniors who purchase the rings will receive them at an Official Ring ceremony in the fall of their senior year. A special spring ceremony is planned for this year’s graduates. The ring will be available only through the University of Arkansas Bookstore.

"It is a very proud day for the University of Arkansas, and an exciting one as we start a new tradition for University of Arkansas students and alumni," White said. "This ring symbolizes the very essence of the University experience shared by all our students as well as provides a traditional avenue for students to share their common experiences. I believe the Official Ring will be a fabulous reward that people will come to recognize and associate with the University of Arkansas. I fully anticipate that it will inspire our students from the time they are freshmen, because they will want to own this ring and the only way to own one is by graduating from the University of Arkansas," White said.

A committee of students, alumni, faculty and administrators devoted more than a year to forming the principles of the tradition and designing the ring. Jostens created the ring from the committee’s design and will produce the ring for the University.

Committee members:

Eddie Armstrong, co-chair, Associated Student Government (ASG) president 2000-2001

Sykes Harvey, co-chair, assistant director, Arkansas Alumni Association

Stephanie Freeman, Student Alumni Board (SAB) president 2000-2001

Trent Goins, ASG President 2001-2002

Lorin McCarver, SAB President 2001-2002

Cory Walker, National Panhellenic president 2000-2001

Rey Krisanits, Intra Fraternity Council (IFC) president 2000-2001

Joe George, IFC President 2001-2002

Melissa Lester, assistant professor, Bumpers College

Ali Sadeghi, director, UA Bookstore

David Martinson, associate vice chancellor for Business Affairs

"The Official Ring has real meaning.  The best, shared parts of the student experience are represented in a classic symbol that has to be earned.  The entire UA community will be proud of this new tradition," said Trent Goins, ASG President.

In addition to being a new tradition, the Official Ring will also be a source of scholarship funding for the University with a minimum of $10,000 to be contributed annually to the University by Jostens plus $10 per additional ring sold over 1,000.

Contact the Arkansas Alumni Association at (479) 575-2801 or alumni@uark.edu for more information about this new tradition.

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