Ring Celebration

Our Next Ring Celebration

Friday, December 6, 2024

Program: 1 – 3:30 PM
Student Check-In: 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Strahan Arena at University Events Center
 

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.

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 documents

Don't forget to bring your printed or mobile ticket along with a photo ID to check-in (student ID, driver's license, passport). Rings will only be distributed to ring recipients with proper photo ID. Your mobile tickets will be a PDF attachment in your confirmation email from EventBrite once you register for the event. 

Be on time

Students will only be permitted entry to the ring pick up area at their designated check-in time slot, as verified by their printed or digital ticket. Early arrivals will have access to photo opportunities and concessions while they wait for their time slot. Students that miss their designed time slot will be invited to pick up their ring following the brief speaking program.

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. The ring plunge official photo will be captured by GradImages. Proofs and information on how to purchase these images will be sent out following the event.

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. 

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.

FAQ

Expand FAQ List

  • All those who are eligible to participate in Ring Celebration are sent a Save the Date email.

    An email with instructions on how to register for Ring Celebration is sent about a month in advance.

    Please note all communication regarding Ring Celebration are sent to the email provided to Balfour when ordering your class ring. Be sure to check your spam and junk folders.

    For example: if a parent ordered a ring for their student, the parent's email would be the one receiving communication for the event. Or, if a student used their personal email instead of their Texas State email, the personal email would be the one receiving communication for the event. 

  • If you already have your ring and want to participate in Ring Celebration, please contact the Engagement office at alumni@txstate.edu or 512.245.2371.

    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.

  • All rings purchased by the semester's deadline automatically get shipped to the university for Ring Celebration. This address acts as a backup in the event you do not attend Ring Celebration or are unable to pick up your ring the week after the event. 

Photo of University Events Center

Parking

Parking will be available for Ring Celebration participants and their guests in University Events Center Lot D. Please arrive in advance of your reserved time slot to allow time to park and walk to the University Events Center. 

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. After the plunge, you will receive a microfiber ring polishing towel.

Wearing the Tradition

Wear your new Official Texas State 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 Texas State. During your commencement ceremony, you will turn your Ring so that the words face outward, proudly declaring your achievement and displaying your Bobcat pride to the world.

Can't Attend?

Recipients who do not attend the Ring Celebration can pick up their ring at the Texas State Alumni Association office the week after the Ring Celebration. Rings will NOT be distributed in advance of the event. Any rings not picked up will be transferred back to Balfour to be shipped to the recipient. Alumni who order an official class ring and wish to participate in an official Texas State Ring Celebration should contact the Alumni Association via email at alumni@txstate.edu.