Single ring tradition comes to life at ACU For Immediate Release March 20, 2001 For more information contact: Tom Craig, Director of Media and Community Relations 915-674-2692 In the spirit of collegiate tradition, the Alumni Association at Abilene Christian University will unveil what is anticipated to be one of the school's most cherished traditions Wednesday, March 21 - an official ACU ring. Now with only one ring design available for qualifying students and alumni, the official ring embodies the story and spirit of ACU and is destined to become the most visible emblem of honor and achievement among ACU students and alumni, said Amber Peck, coordinator of alumni outreach. Students are eligible to order a ring after successfully completing 60 hours of coursework. The first rings will be presented to Dr. Royce Money, ÅCU president, and Matt Tapie, president of the Students' Association, for the student body Wednesday at 11 a.m. during ACU's daily chapel assembly in Moody Coliseum. After that, qualified students will be able to order rings in the ACU Campus Store where the official ring will be on display. "It's not simply a ring … it's relationships. It's not just a piece of jewelry … it's a visible symbol of an experience that changes your life," Peck said. "It's a chance to take a piece of your treasured times at ACU with you when you go." While classes have adopted single ring designs in the past, ACU has never had an exclusive ring design. Peck said now, with one official ring design, the goal is to create a lasting symbol that will immediately identify all graduates of Abilene Christian University. Each element on the sides and top of the ring represent unique parts of ACU's identity. Etched on one side of the ring, the Hardin Administration and Biblical Studies buildings represent the integration of faith and learning to old and new generations, Peck said. Likewise, the steps of both the Ad Building and Beauchamp Amphitheater have come to symbolize the long-standing traditions of Tuesday Night Devotionals and a cappella singing.  "The title of the song, 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You,' is engraved on the steps as a reminder of the much-loved hymn sung at the conclusion of major events such as Sing Song and Opening Chapel," Peck said. Also on that side of the ring, the living flame signifies the spirit of the university intertwined with the eternal spirit of God. On the other side, the wildcat symbolizes a tradition of championship athletics. In 1919, the students who raised the most money to purchase land for an athletic field chose the wildcat to serve as our official mascot. Below the wildcat, the Lone Star represents the state of Texas, along with the words in ACU's school song, "like stars shining brightly above you." The stars signify ACU's 82,000 alumni living in 109 countries around the world, Peck said. Also, the class year is engraved on each ring to recognize each student's unique ACU experience. -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: March 20, 2001 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/events/news/010320_single_ring.html