The first Class Ring at Virginia Tech belonged to the Class of 1911 but it
was the Class of 1914 that selected the first Ring Design Committee, a
special group of students charged with the task of designing a Class Ring
that would be unique and meaningful to their class. Ninety-five years later,
the Ring Design Committee of the class still has the unique responsibility
of designing a ring collection that represents Virginia Tech and serves as
a reflection of the memories and traditions that each class will take with
them when they leave Tech.

The Committee today is comprised of eight members and has been
advised by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association since 1993. Chosen by
the Class Officers in the fall of their sophomore year, the Committee
includes a Design Chair, Dance Chair, two at-large committee members,
the Class President, and the Male, Female, and Cadet Member-at-Large
Class Officers. It is the responsibility of each member to represent the
diverse interests and aspects of campus life at Virginia Tech. Each year
the Committee strives to create and name a set of rings that their
classmates will wear with pride.

The Ring Design Committee oversees one of the largest class ring accounts in the nation and takes on the challenge of designing a distinctive and unique ring collection that best represents their class. Although the traditional class rings differ in design between class years, certain traditional elements included each year make the Virginia Tech Ring one of the most
prominent and distinguished in the nation. The screaming eagle, American Flag, crossed sabres, university seal and interlocking chain around the bezel all contribute to its recognition. The design of the traditional ring combines elements of importance from both the University and the Class.

The University side is more formal and time-honored and usually includes symbols of Tech’s military heritage, campus buildings such as Burruss Hall and the Pylons, the screaming eagle, and the University seal among others. On the other hand, the class side is more creative and includes elements of significance for that particular class. Since 1991 the design process has included the recognition of a distinguished alumnus, alumna or university president. The design, collection, and the namesake are revealed to the Class during the fall of their junior year at Ring Premiere. This year, the Class of 2009 has chosen to honor William C. Latham.

The Ring Design Committee for the Class of 2009 has strived to embody the heritage of Tech traditions in the design of the ring and also include elements meaningful to ’09. With pride, they present the 2009 William C. Latham Collection to their Class.