The Alumni Center joined the relatives and loved ones of seniors to celebrate a milestone as they embark on a new journey on the road to success.  The annual ring ceremony presented 117 graduates-to-be with the official university class ring.
Dr. Joseph Burns, communication professor, opened the ceremony with a welcome at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, followed by words from President John L. Crain and Marvin Yates, Vice President for Student Affairs. The ring was designed by Balfour Corporation, who assisted with the presentation.
After the presentation of rings, Kathy Pittman, Director of Alumni Relations, and Student Government Association President Branden Summers presented the symbols of the class ring and what they represent.
Crain then gave brief words of encouragement to the seniors to continue to wear the ring with pride as a representative of Southeastern and the role it has played in their lives.
“Congratulations,” said Crain. “It is just the beginning. We now have over 60,000 alumni throughout the world. As you look around the room, among those here tonight are many more successful-to-be graduates. I hope to continue seeing you showing pride in Southeastern, Lion pride and pride in your degree, university and yourself as you wear your ring even after commencement.”
Julie Perise, Assistant Alumni Director, ended the ceremony with the singing of the university alma mater.
Students and their families then congregated in the lobby of the Student Union Theatre to show off their rings, take pictures and enjoy refreshments provided by the Alumni Association.
Many students explained their plans to attend graduate school at Southeastern before entering the workforce.
Jessica Willmott, kinesiology major expressed excitement and appreciation to her family who encouraged her throughout her undergraduate career as she looked up to them in admiration of their graduation from Southeastern.
 “My experience at Southeastern has been life-fulfilling,” said Willmott. “I have met many friends and learned to work through many adversities. I’ve always looked up to my parents who graduated from Southeastern and have the Southeastern ring. It was extremely important to have them here tonight because I never would have made it through school without them.”
Feelings of gratitude, accomplishment and excitement were common among ring recipients.
“I am very excited to wear my ring; it symbolizes accomplishment,” said Raphael Garrison, business adminstration major. “Southeastern offers more of a family environment even within the community surrounding campus;  people are willing to help as much as possible. Tonight was very special; it was more like an accomplishment for the entire family, as they were there supporting me the entire way. I have accomplished a major goal, and look forward to tackling more.”
The ring is a part of the history and tradition of Southeastern and will also be a part of the fall commencement ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. in the University Center. Graduates will then turn the ring with the name facing outward, symbolizing the preparation of the student to face the world.