Lamar University held its first ring ceremony, March 29, at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. The event featured 85 students who received their rings surrounded by LU staff, family and friends.
“When you’re at a university, there are all these traditions, and you always think, ‘What would it have been like to start that tradition?’” LU President Jaime Taylor said. “Well, now I get to be a part of starting this tradition. It’s amazing. I can now imagine 50 years from now, somebody will wonder, ‘How did this ring ceremony get started?’”
Taylor welcomed the attendees and talked about how family is the foundation to success at Lamar. He was followed by Freddie Titus, vice president of student affairs and strategic initiatives, who talked on the importance of the new tradition and what it signifies.
“It’s a constant reminder that you belong here, and a reminder of what comes next,” he said. “It’s a symbol of your resilience and your journey, from moving into the dorms to your first football game, joining clubs and making friends.”
Chemistry professor Paul Bernazzani announced the names of ring recipients as they walked across the stage.
Student Government Association vice president Campbell Fuller gave the closing speech, where a ceremonial bell was rung.
“This bell will be rung to signify achievement, legacy and growth,” he said.
The event was attended by 423 people.
Emily Robinson, assistant director for the office of service and leadership, said the event’s success took a substantial amount of work but the turnout made it worth it.
“I think Lamar is a great place but we just don’t have a lot of opportunities to show that,” she said. “We don’t have those traditions yet. So starting with this, we’ve already done it. So moving forward, to me, it’s already a tradition. You have to do it.”
Port Neches junior Kearstan Zabel said the ceremony connected her to the Lamar community.
“It was really good,” she said. “It made me feel like I was actually part of a family here. They made us feel like we’re valued, and not just a student walking by.”
Nederland junior Elizabeth Drago said her ring represents her college journey.
“I feel like it serves as a purpose — it is a symbol,” she said. “It’s something tangible of all of my hard work accumulating to graduation.”
For more information, visit lamar.edu/advancement.