The Southeastern Ring has been part of our university for ten consecutive years. As shown above, the ring is worn to symbolize continuous growth and strength a student must endure to graduate and to remember the memories that go along with this purpose.
The Lion's Roar/File Photo
Be a part of the tradition, senior rings go on sale next week.
The rings are reserved for those taking part in the Alumni Association along with students who are taking part in graduation. The ring represents the traditions and values the university stands for, such as strength and continuous growth.
Students wear their rings not only to represent their university, but also to carry on the memories made during their years at the school such as experiences, friendships and events.
“I was on the ground floor when we started the process of the ring design about ten years ago with Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Brad O’Hara,” said former Director of the Alumni Association Kathy Pittman. “We wanted to have something special to represent the university, not just any ring that you can pick up from anywhere.”
According to Pittman, the first ring ever given out was handed to the former University President Dr. Randy Moffett in 2006. The unveiling of the ring was located on East Strawberry Stadium football field.
Since the unveiling of the ring, the University offers an endowed scholarship awarded to the SGA president. The SGA Scholarship grants money from previous ring sales, along with a complimentary ring of the participant’s choice.
Students purchasing rings have various style options to choose from, including Traditional, Signature with cubic zirconia, Highlight, Legend and Lady Legend.
Each ring is made to represent the university’s historic background. On one side of the ring, the column represents the three names the university is known for, Hammond Jr. College, Southeastern Louisiana College and Southeastern Louisiana University. Friendship Oak symbolizes the life of the university to grow through its students. The year 1925 stands for the founding year of the university. The bricks stand for strength and the lion with the bold letters stands for the degree the recipient earned and the university’s mascot.
The other side of the ring holds the year of the graduating recipient, the university’s seal encompassing the Latin words, “Integritas, Fortitudo and Fidelitas.” The three words translate to “Integrity, Fortitude and Fidelity,” the university’s motto. Also, “Lions” is boldly printed under the seal to represent the ‘Spirit that endears us to our alma mater.’
Each design has a bold “S” to represent Southeastern and is centered within an unbroken circle to stand for everlasting friendships and memories made at the university.
The green stone represents quick intelligence, a strengthened memory and a new life through earning a degree.
According to Interim Alumni Director Julie Perise, the main ordering event for this upcoming fall semester for senior rings will be held in the Union Bookstore. The rings presented by the Balfour ring company will go on sale Aug. 23 to 25, on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rings can be paid for completely with a personal check, debit card or credit card. Students are also given the option to pay for their ring over a spread of three payments using a debit card or credit card. All rings ordered during these dates will be shipped to the university and held to give away at the official ring ceremony.
The bi-annual university Ring Ceremony displays graduating participants’ rings on stage. Each box resembles a symbol of opportunity and hard work that paid off. The arrangement of rings are placed in alphabetical order ready for the speaker to announce the soon to be owner’s name and accomplishments. The graduating students then walk proudly across stage with their new ring to symbolize their years at Southeastern. Rings will be going on sale Aug. 23 and given out at the official ring ceremony.
The Lion's Roar/File Photo
Senior Ring
The Lion's Roar/File Photo