Texas A&M University is known for the countless number of traditions that an Aggie will experience during their four years in College Station, Texas. The most prestigious tradition of all is the Aggie Ring. An Aggie receives their gold ring once they have completed 90 credit hours. The ring symbolizes being a part of the Texas A&M family and is an outward sign of the powerful Aggie network. The ring is easily recognized from boardrooms to airports and creates an immediate connection between generations and all demographics. As important as the Aggie Ring is to A&M’s traditions, not too many people are as familiar with the tradition that recognizes this valued ring — the tradition of Ring Dance.
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Ring Dance is a tradition that has been around as long as the school itself. This tradition began on May 15, 1936. It was conceived by a group of seniors. They decided that since the Aggie Ring is the traditional mark of one whose days on the campus are soon to be over, a dance with the ring as the predominant theme would be appropriate as a final function of the Senior Class. The money raised for Ring Dance goes toward the Senior Class gift that is given to the University after graduation. Ring Dance has gradually grown over the years, growing from one room of entertainment in 1978 to eight rooms of entertainment in 1998. Now, the event takes place in the Memorial Student Center and has four different themed rooms. This tradition continues to grow and change based on the next generation of Aggies who are responsible for planning the event.
Ring Dance reflects a milestone at the end of senior year, because for many, this is the last tradition students will experience. At this event, there is a huge Aggie Ring Replica that students traditionally walk under. As each senior steps underneath the replica of the Aggie Ring, they turn their ring so that the class year no longer faces them; it faces the world. Seniors are able to reflect over the past years spent in College Station and anticipate the future. As each couple steps out from under the replica, another couple steps underneath, continuing the tradition that will go on as long as there is an Aggieland.
Today, Ring Dance is hosted by Class Councils. Class Councils is a student-run organization that hosts many of the traditions here at Texas A&M. I have been honored to be a part of this organization during my freshman year and have personally seen the hard work it takes to plan this event. I have learned so much about the history of this tradition while writing this article and being a part of Class Councils. The Ring Dance Directors have worked so hard on making sure this event will be a success. The 81st Annual Ring Dance will take place on Apr. 30. This event will be hosted at the Memorial Student Center from 9 p.m. to 1 a/m. The theme of this year’s Ring Dance will be “A Global Affair,” and tickets are on sale now through the MSC Box Office. If you are a senior and want to celebrate your last tradition as a student at A&M, come to the Ring Dance and be a part of the legacy for years to come.
