Loyalty, pride and a “Go Ducks” spirit.  These words describe UO graduates of any generation.  Now there is a new way for Ducks to display their ties to the University of Oregon.  On April 7, the University unveiled the Official University of Oregon Class Ring.

Previously, anyone, even people who had never attended the university, could design and order a ring from the campus bookstore.  Now, students must have completed 90 credit hours (junior status) to be able to order a ring. 

The ring is unique to the University of Oregon.  The ring design, chosen by a committee of students, alumni, faculty and staff in Spring 2006, features some of the university’s most important symbols.  The traditional style ring boasts a beautiful green colored stone with the University of Oregon "O" stamped in the center. University of Oregon and 1876 is spelled out around the stone. On one side of the ring the UO seal is featured and below it the founding date of 1876. Deady Hall, the oldest and most recognized building on the UO campus is highlighted on the other side of the ring with the student's graduation year date at the base.The signet style ring has greenstone with the University of Oregon "O" prominently displayed in the center surrounded by the spell out University of Oregon 1876.“Go Ducks!” is inscribed inside all rings to remind the student of their time at the University of Oregon.

At the kick off event, members of the student alumni association, The Flight, told students about the new ring program and its place among University of Oregon traditions.  Prizes were raffled off including a 10K gold UO class ring.

The new ring program not only allows graduates to show their pride in the UO, but makes each person wearing the ring easily recognizable to other Oregon alumni.  In addition to the new official ring, the UO Alumni Association will be conducting an Official Ring Presentation Ceremony in conjunction with commencement.  Graduates will be presented their rings in a ceremony held on Friday, June 13 at the Gerlinger Alumni Lounge.

Senior Chauncey Freeman, president of the Flight, said “The ring ceremony is vital to the success of traditions at the University Oregon.  A capstone for graduating seniors, this ceremony unites all the fond memories of college and captures them in a small symbol of the four years spent at college.  In coming years The Flight hopes to grow this ceremony, inspiring the lives of more U of O graduates.”  For more information on the Official UO Class Ring program or the Ring Presentation Ceremony, contact Lisa Fortin at lfortin@uoregon.edu.

To purchase a class ring, click here!