Class rings are a symbol of embracing both the past and the future

Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, October 29, 2006

This past week I wandered over to the seventh floor of the University of Louisiana at Monroe Library to attend something called "Grad Finale." This event was sponsored by ULM and Jostens Inc. so upcoming grads would have a chance to prepare for that most significant event. While there, I had a chance to visit with old friends Rod Nunez and Pam Shepherd and watch students proudly ordering regalia, invitations and class rings.

As we watched the smiles of our soon-to-be graduates, I wondered about those first students who had experienced the depression and the floods of 1932 - not to mention their first taste of college and outstanding, challenging faculty - and were getting ready to be the class of '33, the first ever to graduate.

We are not sure if there was a Ouachita Parish Junior College class ring for those first years. (Does anyone know?) We do know that when we became a four-year college, Northeast Louisiana State College, the first graduating class of 1952 had a ring. On its side was an Indian on a horse, depicting the "end of the trail." One lovely lady I know still wears her class of 1954 ring proudly.

Our present ULM ring is lovely. The symbols and their meanings on it include:

The 1931 inscription recognizes our beginning as Ouachita Parish Junior College, and the opening of classes Sept. 28 of that year.

The bayou symbol represents the place of our beginning and reflects the first words of our alma mater, "By the bayou's tranquil water ..."

The depiction of six cypress trees represents our history of establishment, as 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 symbol is a composite of local Native American tribes of the area.

Brown Hall as the first (and for a time the only building on campus) and the university library - two of our most significant buildings on our campus.

The official seal of The University of Louisiana at Monroe, which is always inspiring us with an open book to "Seek the Truth."

The stylized "L" in the center of the stone should be worn with its curve facing forward. This "L" represents the wonderful athletic traditions here at ULM, as well as representing all of the fine athletes who have competed on ULM's fields since 1931.

We are admonished to wear this ring proudly and gratefully - always reminded of our maroon and gold and all who remain a part of ULM, from 1931 until now - "Shining bright the bayou's gem. Ever loyal to ULM." Soon our ring will be enhanced to reflect the new era of the Warhawk - once again, honoring the past and embracing the future.

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor