The Virginia Tech Class ring embodies and invokes memories, traditions and pride that tie Hokies, young and old, together. The tradition began in the 1911-1912 school session when four classes (1911-1914) designed their rings. The Class of 2011 has the honor of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Virginia Tech ring.

Since the beginning, each Virginia Tech class has designed a ring distinctive and unique to its class. Today, Virginia Tech is one of only a few colleges and universities that redesign their ring collection each year.

Each year, the sophomore class selects a Ring Design Committee responsible for designing and marketing their class ring collection, adding elements that reflect their class experiences on the class side. All ring designs have an eagle and crossed sabers, usually found on the university side and symbolizing the military heritage and traditions of the Corps of Cadets. The chain links that have encircled the ring bezel on Virginia Tech rings since 1940 represent class unity, the strength of many united as one.

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. In recognizing alumnus president Dr. Charles W. Steger '69 and his wife, Janet Steger '70 as their class namesakes, the Class of 2011 celebrates the 20th anniversary of this special tradition.