If you’ve loved your time at Clemson, let the University put a ring on it! A tradition that started with the class of 1896 has become a staple in the Clemson student experience. The Clemson ring ceremony was introduced during the 2000 spring semester and has continued to celebrate over 4,000 students annually who embody what it means to be a Clemson Tiger.
Students have the opportunity to purchase the exclusive ring once they complete 90 undergraduate credit hours or half of their required graduate credits. Alumni are also encouraged to order a ring if they didn’t partake in the festivity as students.
The highly customizable Clemson ring comes in two different styles: traditional or dinner. The dinner ring is typically what women order, as it is daintier and a bit more stylish. Men usually order the traditional ring, which comes in three sizes: small, medium and large.
However, Andee Strong, a senior elementary education major, commented on her experience choosing a ring style.
“I went with the small traditional ring because I loved the classy look and knew I would wear that style more than the dinner ring,” she told The Tiger. “I also chose to wear it on my middle, not my ring finger. I wanted my ring to uniquely represent my Clemson experience in a way that stays true to who I am.”
This goes to show how each student has a different Clemson story, and how the tradition of the ring can be used to highlight those personal experiences.
The ring acts as a recognizable symbol that connects alumni across the country. Before graduation, students wear the ring with the C facing inwards. At graduation, the tradition deepens as students ask a University alum to flip their ring outward, strengthening the bond between the graduate and the University that will remain as they enter the postgraduate world.
This semester’s ceremony takes place on Sunday, April 19, in Littlejohn Coliseum. Rain or shine, it will be a day full of Clemson tradition, University pride and excitement.
www.alumni.clemson.edu/ // @clemsonalumni (Instagram)
