The UNM class ring is available after five years of careful design.
The ring is available from Jostens, a nationwide college ring manufacturer, for $511 to $630, depending on the type of metal used and ring size.
The same company makes Eastern New Mexico University’s ring for $408 and New Mexico Tech’s ring for $388 to $494.
Debbie Morris, director of student activities, said the University ring has Hodgin Hall on one side and a Lobo on the other.
“The rings are easy to identify as UNM,” she said. “Hodgin Hall was the original University, which shows some great importance. The rings can also be individualized with engravings inside the ring.”
Only students who have earned 60 credit hours or more can get the ring.
Karen Abraham, associate vice president of alumni relations, said she had the idea for the ring.
“The Alumni Association is very enthusiastic about the ring,” she said. “It has been a long process. We gained input from students and alumni about what they wanted. Now that the ring is being launched, I am very pleased and excited to bring in this new tradition to build on.”
The concept was taken over by student regent Cate Wisdom, who was Lobo Spirit Director at the time.
“As director, I was in charge of presenting school spirit and tradition. Many of us worked together to get the concept of the ring started,” Wisdom said. “The ring’s purpose is to show pride for the University. It will allow people to distinguish graduates. People can wear the ring where others can see it, giving an instant connection as Lobos.”
Wisdom said the ring will be a graduation incentive for students because it can be treasured for the rest of their lives.
“We worked with graduates, undergraduates, the Alumni Association, and the Student Activities Center to pick the perfect ring,” Wisdom said. “We had to decide on which logo we wanted based on a contest held last year, and we decided to have the Lobo in front of the Sandia Mountains. The Sandias are important because it’s something that we see every day from campus.”
Senior Victoria Huntsman said a UNM ring would help her appreciate her accomplishments in college.
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“I didn’t get a high school ring, so I think getting a college ring would be something worthwhile,” she said. “I think the ring really represents your accomplishments and education. It is a good symbol of your accomplishments.”
Morris said the committee picked Jostens after reviewing many ring distributors because Jostens offered a wide range in prices and types of rings.
“You can pick the type of metal and the size. They do payment plans as well,” she said.
Jostens also does a “trade-in” program.
Morris said Jostens representatives will be promoting the ring around campus in the upcoming week.
“As far as we know, there has never been an official University ring. That’s what we are trying to accomplish. Before, people could create their own individual ring, or just anyone could purchase a ring from the Bookstore,” Morris said. “The ring in general is a significance that you graduated, and it is a symbol of your university. It is something to be proud of.”
*University ring
www.jostens.com
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