Archived News |
October 15, 2004
ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Unveils First Ever Official University Ring
The design of the official ring for the University of Louisiana at Monroe was displayed for the first time during homecoming week. The university's official ring is a new way for ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ to continue to build on its rich traditions and pride with easily recognizable symbols that celebrate ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥'s culture and history.
The ring,
made by Josten's, Inc., includes several symbols of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥.
The traditions and history represented:
*1931 recognizes ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥'s beginning as Ouachita Parish Junior College and the opening of classes on September 28th of that year.
*The bayou symbol represents the place of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥'s beginning and reflects the first words of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥'s Alma Mater, "By the bayou's tranquil water"
*The six cypress trees represent the history of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥'s establishment, as, moving clockwise from the extreme left, they represent Ouachita Parish Junior College, Northeast Center of Louisiana State University, Northeast Junior College of LSU, Northeast Louisiana State College, Northeast Louisiana University and The University of Louisiana at Monroe.
*The Indian below the cypress trees symbolizes a composite of local Native American tribes of the area and reflects the mural on the Student Union Building.
*The opposite side of the ring shows the year of graduation over a depiction of two significant buildings- Brown Hall as the first (and for a time the only building on campus) and the University Library with its view of Bayou DeSiard and the BellTower.
*Underneath lies the official seal of ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥.
*The stylized "L" in the center of the stone should be worn with its curve facing forward (toward the end of your finger). This "L" represents the athletic traditions at ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥, including championships and significant accomplishments in football, basketball, track, golf, tennis, baseball, softball, and swimming and diving, as well as representing all of the fine athletes who have competed on ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥'s fields since 1931.
*Surrounding the stone is the name of the campus, the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
"We are very pleased with the ring," Pam Shepherd, ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Alumni Relations Director, said. "It was amazing to us when we realized there was not an official ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ ring- we saw it as a wonderful opportunity to have one official piece that would represent ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥."
Shepherd also said, "It turned out very nicely and we think new graduates and past graduates will like it, too."
The idea of having an official ring came about when a former student of the 31 Ambassadors organization in the Alumni Relations Office brought up the idea. A university committee composed of students, Alumni Office personnel, University staff (all alumni) and faculty (all alumni) was then formed.
Alumni and eligible students may order the ring beginning Thursday, October 21. For more information contact Pam Shepherd at 342-3601.
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