Tradition and Pride Fill Texas A&M Campus for Aggie Ring Day
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44) — Aggie Ring Day is one of the most highly anticipated events at Texas A&M University. Over 6,000 students will receive their Aggie rings during this two-day event, marking a momentous occasion in the school's rich tradition of academic achievement and pride.
As students and their loved ones approached the steps of the Clay W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center, you could feel the excitement spread across the room. Students' eyes filled with excitement as thousands of ring boxes were spread across the building.
Families brought gifts such as flowers, cakes, posters, and more for their ring recipients to commemorate the day.
The special ceremony, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, took place on the university's campus, drawing students, family, and friends to witness the powerful moment when a cherished symbol of the worldwide Aggie network is earned.
'It feels awesome,' said one student, smiling as the iconic ring was placed on their finger.
'It's a great feeling,' another echoed.
For many students like John Moreland, the day was a realization that they are nearing the finish line of their academic journey. 'It's like a relief that I made it this far. It's an honor,' Moreland said. 'All the great people were in this ring. I just kind of felt like I was a part of something great.'
'I'm so excited for him,' said Moreland's mother. 'He's worked very hard, and I'm proud of him.'
The Aggie Ring, a beloved symbol of the Texas A&M experience, has been a part of the university's tradition for over a century. However, it was in April 2000 that a special event was established to formally honor students for their academic achievements.
'It's the day that they receive the most visible symbol of the worldwide Aggie network, which is the Aggie ring,' said Scot Walker, Vice President of the Association of Former Students. 'They've earned it through academic achievement. They've coveted it since they were admitted to Texas A&M, and for many, this is a bigger celebration than their actual graduation.'
The day was filled with emotion as students received their rings from loved ones, making the occasion even more significant. Audrey Middleton, whose parents are also Texas A&M graduates, expressed her excitement: 'I'm feeling ecstatic. Both my parents are Aggies, and so I think this is just a great way to live out their legacy and tradition.' Middleton's voice quivered with emotion as she added, 'They mean everything to me, they're my support, they're the reason I'm here.'
For many, the Aggie Ring represents more than just academic success. It's a symbol of the shared history, connection, and camaraderie that binds Aggies around the world.
As Aggies continue to uphold the university's values and traditions, the Aggie Ring Day remains a celebration of not just academic achievement, but also the enduring legacy of Texas A&M.
This cherished tradition remains one of the many ways Aggies stay connected around the world, strengthening the bonds of a community that continues to thrive long after graduation.
To learn more about the history of Aggie Ring Day, you can click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Killeen ISD students send special gifts to deployed soldiers
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) – A special delivery from Killeen Independent School District students made its way overseas and brought some smiles with it! The district says Meadows Elementary and Venable Village Elementary students partnered with the Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) for HHB Battery, 1-44 Battalion, 69th ADA Brigade to send handwritten letters and creative artwork to deployed soldiers in the Middle East. This effort was in celebration of the Month of the Military Child, and was all about spreading encouragement and joy to those serving far from home. The district says soldiers were thrilled to receive the thoughtful messages from all the young artists and writers! Killeen ISD is sending a huge thank you to the students, staff, and families who helped make this possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
University of Michigan names peregrine falcon chicks born atop quad
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The University of Michigan community has two new members after a family of peregrine falcons hatched two eggs in the school's nesting box. DNR removes peregrine falcon from state's endangered list The two chicks, one male and one female, hatched in a box on top of the university's North Quad. The university asked the community for name suggestions, eventually landing on Victoria and Valiant — a play on the words from the school's fight song. The university has made it a tradition to to name its falcons. Most are typically a reference to the city or U-M legends, including Ann (Arbor), Jim (Harbaugh) and Lloyd (Carr). Peregrine falcons typically nest in cliffs or mountains high off the ground. Given that there aren't many natural nesting places in southeast Michigan, the university noticed the birds were using Burton Tower. Snake covered by Endangered Species Act killed at Michigan park 'Burton Tower, however, proved an unsafe nesting spot because the falcons laid their eggs too close to a gutter, and that didn't end well for any eggs that rolled,' the university . The Michigan Department of Natural Resources set up a nesting box on top of U-M's hospital in 2011 and one on top of North Quad in 2015. The box atop the hospital has since been removed, but the university has seen new falcon chicks consistently since 2011. The DNR has kept a close eye on the boxes and bands each chick to monitor the birds' migration patterns and population growth in Michigan. The peregrine falcon population in Michigan is still extremely small. They were reintroduced in the state in the 1980s after they were nearly wiped out by . Michigan DNR verifies wild cougar cubs in U.P. for first time in decades The DNR says as of last summer, there are approximately 30 peregrine falcon nests across the state, a number that has stayed relatively stable in recent years. The number of falcons, however, continues to tick higher. Recently, the species was and is now only considered 'threatened.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Four Juneteenth celebrations taking place in Vermont
VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermonters across the state will be gathering together to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but it has been traditionally celebrated among African-Americans in the U.S. since 1866, shortly after Emancipation and the Civil War. Vermont was one of the first states to abolish slavery in 1777, before it became part of the U.S.. Juneteenth: The long road to becoming a federal holiday The City of South Burlington will hold its celebration on Thursday, June 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park. The events will include a craft fair and music, and the city says it will be 'highlighting BIPOC food vendors and business owners as well as BIPOC-focused non-profit organizations'. Winooski is holding its 'Juneteenth Block Party' in Rotary Park on Friday, June 20. The event is scheduled from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.. Burlington's Juneteenth festivities will take place on Saturday, June 21 from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m., with celebrations on Church Street and in City Hall Park. City mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak welcomed the public to the event, calling it 'not just a commemoration of freedom, but a powerful statement of our commitment to racial equity and social justice in the City of Burlington.' Will you be getting mail on Juneteenth? Hartford, together with Bethel and Lebanon, New Hampshire, will also be holding their celebration on Saturday, June 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Lyman Point Park. The town is welcoming speakers including Vermont state senators Kesha Ram Hinsdale and Joe Major, and New Hampshire executive councillor Karen Liot Hill. More events may still be announced. Cities across Vermont including Rutland and Essex have held events in the past, and more information may be found on your community's website or social media page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
