Ring tradition exclusive to UTSA continues for hundreds of students

The UTSA class ring is not like any other college ring. Since 2012, every UTSA class ring-9,000 to date-has stayed overnight at the historic Alamo the night before the ring ceremony. The rings are hand-delivered by the UTSA Alumni Association in a secure box for the tradition. UTSA is the only university in San Antonio to house its rings at the historic Texas landmark.

"There are few places as iconic as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, and being able to house our rings overnight in the Alamo before our ring recipients put them on their fingers is an unforgettable way to forever connect our graduates' accomplishments to the deep and rich history of San Antonio and Texas," said Director of Alumni Programs Veronica Parker.

While the Alamo serves as a sacred place for the rings to rest, it's also a part of the symbolism featured on the ring itself.

On one side of the ring, the Alamo is pictured with the words, "From our hills of oak and cedar to the Alamo," which is the opening line of the UTSA alma mater. These words represent the continued growth of the university; the trees lining Main Campus and the Alamo representing the Downtown Campus.

The other side features the Sombrilla, the iconic gathering place for students to meet with friends, grab a bite to eat or work on homework. Accompanying the Sombrilla image is Rowdy, the UTSA mascot, and native Texas plants such as bluebonnets, wildflowers, and cacti to signify the Southwest.

On top of the rings lays the university seal, which will distinguish a UTSA Roadrunner from other college graduates. Wrapped around the university seal is the motto "Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis," which translates to "A cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy," a quote by the Republic of Texas president Mirabeau B. Lamar.

The images within the seal represent this exact motto. The shield signifies protection, while the open book in the shield stands for higher learning. The star at the bottom of the seal represents the Republic of Texas and the wreath with the olive branch stands for a symbol of peace.