Our Next Ring Celebration

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Location: Strahan Arena at the University Events Center
Check-In: 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (no later than 12:30 p.m.)
Program Start: 1:00 p.m.
Expected End: 3:30 p.m. 

If you purchased your ring at Ring Days or before the deadline of October 17, you are automatically registered for Ring Celebration — there is no separate RSVP required.

Your family and guests are welcome to attend, and no registration is required for parents or guests.

photo of two people smiling with rings on

View Class Rings

Shop for a variety of Official Texas State University Class Ring options from Balfour and order a ring today!

Ring Celebration logo with Old Main in a ring

Each semester, hundreds of Bobcats, family, and friends gather at the Ring Celebration to celebrate achieving an academic milestone and receiving the most visible symbol of Bobcat Pride: The Official Texas State Ring. Bobcats are recognized as they plunge their rings into the fountain of water from the San Marcos River. This act connects Bobcats with the spirit and tradition the river has carried through this campus for more than 125 years.

Ring Fountain Tradition

After you receive your ring, you will proceed to the floor of the arena to participate in the official ring tradition: dipping your hand into the fountain of water from the San Marcos River to connect with the spirit and tradition the river has carried through this campus for more than 125 years. 

Wearing Your Ring

Wear your new ring with the words "Texas State University" facing you, so that when you look down at your hand, the words serve as a constant reminder to yourself of your goal to graduate from TXST. During commencement, you will turn your ring outwards displaying your Bobcat pride to the world.

Prepare for Ring Celebration

Ring Celebration is an exciting day! And, it is also a large, crowded and logistically intricate event. In order to safely manage the crowd, the entire day is carefully scheduled. Access to the ring pick up area inside the University Events Center is controlled for the ease of your experience and the safety of the rings. 

While you are at Ring Celebration, please be aware of your surroundings, listen for announcements and be prepared for the possibility of last-minute changes due to weather or other events beyond our control.

Bring Your ID

Rings will only be distributed to ring recipients with a proper photo ID: student ID, driver’s license or passport.

Be on Time

Check-in begins at 11:45 a.m. at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center. Please arrive early to allow time for seating. Arrive for check-in no later than 12:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served. Saving seats is not permitted.

Dress the Part

Show off your Bobcat Pride! Make sure to wear festive maroon and gold for thematic pictures capturing this exciting moment. There will be multiple photo opportunities for you and your guests. We encourage you and your guests to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. 

Invite Your Squad

Ring recipients are welcome to bring guests to celebrate with them. You will make your way to the gym floor to check-in and receive your ring. Your group can continue inside the arena where guests can be seated. Family and friends are invited to view the ongoing fountain procession from the seating area inside the arena and cheer when their student reaches the fountain. GradImages will take photographs of the ring recipients as they dip their hands in the fountain. Proofs and information on how to purchase these images will be sent out following the event.

Please note: The Ring Celebration is intended for those Texas State students and former students who have earned a minimum of 75 cumulative hours and who have purchased their class ring from Balfour, the exclusive manufacturer of the Texas State Official Class Ring.

Semester Timeline

  • Early Semester: Information about purchasing rings will be sent to eligible students. When you reach 75 cumulative credit hours, you will receive an invitation to purchase your ring. This occurs two times a year, in the spring and fall long semesters.
  • Early Semester: Ring Days will be held on both the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses with the exclusive ring provider, Balfour. Ordering at Ring Days ensures you will receive your ring at the Ring Celebration.
  • Mid-Semester: Deadline to purchase Official Balfour Ring to be eligible to participate in Ring Celebration.
  • Mid-to-Late Semester: Students who order their official class ring will receive a Save the Date email with additional information from the Alumni Association regarding Ring Celebration.
  • Mid-to-Late Semester: Email invitation with Ring Celebration registration sent to eligible students. 

Planning FAQs

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The Official Ring

The Official Class Ring is reserved exclusively for currently-enrolled graduate students, degree-holding alumni, and undergraduate students who have completed 75 cumulative credit hours. The Ring Celebration is an event reserved exclusively for participation by Bobcats wearing the Official Class Ring, produced by Balfour.

  • The top of the ring features the Texas “lone star” set upon an oak-and-laurel wreath. Around the crown of the ring are the words "Texas State University" and the founding date of 1899.
  • The left side features our original campus building, Old Main, with inner tubes floating by on the beautiful San Marcos River.
  • The right side features the fierce Bobcat athletic logo, designed in 2003 by student Brad Monk. Texas State adopted the Bobcat mascot in 1921.
  • The school flower, the gaillardia, is engraved inside the ring. Also known as the Indian blanket, the gold and maroon flower is the source of Texas State’s school colors.
Two official Texas State class rings in a ring box

Ring Celebration Day FAQs

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  • No. Ring recipients do not need a ticket, but you will need to present an ID at check-in.

    Acceptable forms of ID include:

    • Texas State student ID
    • Driver’s license
    • Government-issued ID
       

  • Check-in begins at 11:45 a.m. at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center. You will enter section 111 and make your way to the gym floor for check-in. Please arrive early to allow time for seating. Arrive for check-in no later than 12:30 p.m.

  • No. Students will be seated on the gym floor, and families will watch from the stands. Only students and event staff are permitted on the arena floor during the event.

  • No, seating is first come, first served. Saving seats is not permitted.

  • Parking will be available for Ring Celebration participants and their guests in University Events Center Lot D. Please allow extra time to park and walk to the University Events Center, or have your family drop you off at the front entrance before they park.

    There is limited accessible parking available in front of the University Events Center, so guests with mobility needs may also want to arrange a drop-off at the main entrance before parking elsewhere.
     

  • Yes! Concessions will be open during the event.

  • Yes, at check-in, you’ll receive a Reader Card with your name on it. You’ll have a chance to review and spell your name phonetically with the name readers before the ceremony begins. Please keep this card with you throughout the event — you’ll hand it to the reader before walking across the stage.

  • You may bring small personal items such as a phone or wallet and keep them at your seat during the ceremony.

    When it’s time to go on stage for the Ring Plunge, please leave all belongings at your chair, as you’ll be shaking hands and posing for your photo with your new ring.

    Be sure to return to your chair after the stage presentation to collect your items before departing.
     

  • GradImages will be on site to capture professional photos of each participant during the Ring Celebration. After the event, GradImages and will mail a proof to the address you provided when you purchased your ring. There is no obligation to purchase photos.

  • The Ring Fountain will be available for personal photos after the formal ceremony only. It will not be available before the event.

  • All rings will be delivered directly to the Alumni Office and distributed at the Ring Celebration. You will be unable to pick up your ring prior to Ring Celebration.

    If you are unable to attend, you may pick up your ring from the Alumni Office in LBJ Student Center 302.06 beginning the Monday after Ring Celebration. Any rings not picked up will be transferred back to Balfour to be shipped to the recipient.

If you have questions or need ADA accommodations, please contact us at alumni@txstate.edu.