CLASS OF 2026 COLORS
WEAR THE TRADITION
The Virginia Tech class ring invokes and embodies the memories, traditions, and pride that tie Hokies of all generations and different backgrounds together. Since the school year of 1911-1912 classes have come together to share the tradition of a unique ring. Through this ring tradition every Virginia Tech class has the opportunity to create a reminder of their specific years spent at the university.
The 2026 Class Officers selected a Ring Design Committee who was responsible for the design and marketing of our class ring collection, while adding elements that reflect their shared experiences as a class on the class side. Today, Virginia Tech is one of only a few colleges and universities that redesign their ring collection each year, making it specific to each individual class and reflecting on lasting memories.
One hundred and fifty one years ago Virginia Tech’s first student, Addison Caldwell, walked 26 miles from his hometown to register at the newly established Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Little did he know the transformative journey this institution would take.
The small, all-white, all-male military institution has since evolved. Virginia Tech is a large research university which is diverse in educational programming, the students, and the international community it serves.
PYLON PEARL STADIUM SKYLINE
JOHN R. LAWSON, II LIFETIME HOKIE
RING COLLECTION NAMESAKE
Hokie Nation has been a part of John R. Lawson, II, for his whole life, with his father and uncles before him and his sons after him. Lawson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geophysics in 1975 from the College of Science. Following graduation and amidst offers, John decided to stay in Virginia and near family, as he joined his father’s construction company, W. M. Jordan Company Inc. John began his career with W. M. Jordan Company as a field engineer and developed a deep understanding of all aspects of the construction business through his roles as an estimator, project engineer, superintendent, and project manager prior to taking the helm as president and CEO from 1985-2018. Under his leadership, W. M. Jordan Company became one of the largest construction managers in Virginia, with annual revenues of $700 million dollars and a ranking in Engineering News Record’s Top 400 Contractors in the United States for the past 40 years. Now as Executive Chairman John focuses on advancing corporate innovation and fostering W. M. Jordan Company’s unique corporate culture.
Lawson has served on the board of visitors from 2002 to 2010 during which he also led the board as rector from 2008 to 2010. He is a co-founder and ongoing supporter of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction, which was named in honor of him and his fraternity brother, A. Ross Myers. Lawson also served as co-chair of Virginia Tech’s $1 billion national capital campaign committee which generated $1.11 billion in gifts or commitments to the university between July 2003 and June 2011. He is a member of the Ut Prosim Society President’s Circle and a board member of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. In 2012, he was presented with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, which is presented each year at commencement to recognize individuals for their contributions to the university.
John Lawson is a champion for the community, supporting growth and involvement through numerous non-profit and civic organizations. He currently serves on a number of boards including TowneBank, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, the Hampton Roads Alliance, The Mariners’ Museum, the Peninsula Airport Commission, Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech, and the Board of Visitors at Christopher Newport University.
BOB BROYDEN
VICE PRESIDENT FOR POLICY & GOVERNANCE
Bob Broyden retired this summer having been the Vice President for Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities. Broyden is a double Hokie having received his Bachelors of Science in 1987 and Masters of Science in 1990. Broyden’s 30 years of service to Virginia Tech include progressive leadership roles in financing and financial management, capital outlay, campus planning, real estate management, business practices, and commercial partnerships. As his career progressed, he advanced from holding positions as a financial analyst, to manager positions in capital financial planning and capital budgets, to director positions overseeing capital assets and financial management, to assistant and associate vice president positions overseeing capital assets and financial management as well as campus planning and capital financing, and finally, to serving as interim vice president for campus planning, infrastructure, and facilities. In his vice president role, Broyden led a team of more than 500 university employees and provided direction to the university’s campus
planning, construction, space management, real estate and leasing, facilities operations, sustainability, energy management, and utility operations, including the Virginia Tech Electric Service. The team strategically stewards Virginia Tech’s 2,600-acre main campus in Blacksburg; its physical presence across the commonwealth, including the Innovation Campus in the Washington, D.C., metro area, the Health Sciences an Technology Campus in Roanoke, and sites in Newport News and Richmond; educational and research facilities across the state; a study-abroad site in Switzerland; and a 1,800-acre agriculture research farm near the main campus.
SPRING FESTIVAL
In the spring of 2022, the Class of 2024 hosted a new tradition for the sophomore class. Springfest is an event filled with creating lasting memories and building class unity with the revelation of the class colors, motto, logo, and the class sponsor and ring namesake.
On April 5th, 2024, the Class of 2026 held their Springfest on the Drillfield. Despite the cold, rainy weather, students and their organizations showed out for live performances, food, games, raffles, and the unveiling of their class colors, motto, and logo. These unveilings were also posted on the class’ Instagram (@vtclassof26).
PRESIDENT
KAYLA MOTEN
The Virginia Tech Class Ring Tradition is one of a kind. Having the opportunity to design a ring that my classmates and I will wear for the rest of our lives is the opportunity of a lifetime and getting to collaborate with my fellow Leadership team members made it even more special. I can proudly say that contributing to the Class of 2026 Class Ring design is one of my greatest accomplishments during my time here at Tech. I hope my classmates love it as much as I do.
RING DESIGN CHAIR
JONAH MIDDLETON
The Virginia Tech Class Ring means infinitely more than just another aspect of Hokie culture. As you wear your ring, know that you are inheriting a responsibility to carry on the legacy of those who came before you, and also become a trailblazer for those who will follow in your footsteps. Entering our senior year, I encourage you to remember what the Virginia Tech Class Ring stands for: to celebrate your accomplishments and embody Ut Prosim in every way you can. Serving as the 2026 Ring Design Chair has been one of the greatest honors in my life. It is a privilege not only to represent the Class of 2026 but to serve them through one of the strongest college traditions in the world.
RING DANCE CHAIR
JABREA FLOWERS
The tradition of the Class Ring and Ring Dance at Virginia Tech is one of many traditions that goes well beyond each student’s years at Tech. As Ring Dance Chair, I have the privilege of collaborating with both the Ring Design Committee and the Ring Dance Committee to create a class ring and a dance that embodies the spirit of our class. Being able to contribute to a tradition that is so important to the university means a great deal to me and being able to do it alongside the other hardworking individuals within the Class of 2026 Leadership Team is something I will remember forever. I look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026’s accomplishments thus far and the everlasting memories of Hokie Nation.
RING DESIGN COMMITTEE
2026 LEADERSHIP TEAM
Kayla Moten
President
Alli Jones
Secretary
Darwin Otchere
Cadet at Large
Hennessy Chanthavisouk
Female at Large
Quinton Dagner
Male at Large
Suhjin Kwak
Class Member at Large
Jonah Middleton
Ring Design Chair
Shirin Mohammadian
Ring Design CM
Jabrea Flowers
Ring Dance Chair
Helena Alemu
Nhi Truong
Kimiko Andrew
Katie Sullivant
Stephanie Cummings
Shea Laura
Katelyn Steide
Jacob Tennant
SJ Greger
Sydney Granby
Tyler Cowher
LUKE LODGE
The Ring Design Committee chose the most important elements of their student experience to reflect the Class of 2026 and preserve the rich history of past class rings. In partnership with Balfour, after many long hours and artist renderings, the team produced a ring design they proudly present to you.
The 2026 design includes the university side, which was established by the Class of 2022 during the sesquicentennial year as the ongoing design. The university side includes Burruss Hall, Torgerson Bridge, and the motto, “Ut Prosim”. These university elements connect all Hokies, alumni, students, and future Hokies. The class side is redesigned each year.
The Ring Design Committee showcases the diversity of their class, memories like celebrating the Women’s basketball team, 50 years of Women in the Corps of Cadets, and the Commonwealth Cup. The overall ring collection, which includes signet and fashion rings, is also selected by the committee.
CONSTRUCTION A CUSTOM CREATION
The Ring Design Committee worked hard to ensure their ring encapsulates the Class of 2026 Hokie experience. The committee presented their concept to a Balfour artist who professionally rendered the design, which was digitized into a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. Wax molds are then created based on the CAD file.
The ring production process involves molten metal being poured into the master wax mold to develop the basis of the custom and highly cherished class rings. Each individual ring is made to order, passing through the skilled hands of over 30 expert craftspeople. The ring is then subject to seven detailed inspections, to ensure it meets all quality standards, before being delivered to the Class of 2026.
HOKIE GOLD TRADITION
In the year 2012, members of the Corps class of 1964 M Company decided to start a new tradition. Hokie alumni from the classes of 1964 to 2014 came together and donated their gold class rings to be melted down and put into a new generation of rings. Since then, small pieces of each annual melt are preserved for the next year, to be combined with the gold used in the upcoming class’ rings, so that any Hokie with a gold ring, will have the Hokie Gold of previous years with them.
This year, the Ring Design Committee of the Class of 2026 had the honor of pouring the molten gold into the molds for our class rings. Three class rings from 1940, 1954, and 1962 were donated for the team to melt, in addition to a piece of Class of 2025’s gold that they melted last year. Our Ring Design Chair, Jonah Middleton, suited up to pour our molten gold into the mold. “I was incredibly honored to not only contribute to this tradition for the Class of 2026, but to also experience the contributions of generations of Hokies that came before us. It was moving to hold such rich history in my hands, knowing how much these rings meant to our gracious alumni. I am confident that as time goes on, the Hokie Gold tradition will grow stronger and both students and alumni alike will experience stronger connection as Hokies. As you wear your ring and embrace this tradition, I encourage you to be reminded of the saying boldly etched around Hokie Stone in Lane Stadium: for those who have passed, for those to come, reach for excellence.”
1. EXIT 118B:
Hokies buzz with excitement as they return home to Blacksburg following Exit 118B off Route 81.
2. BLACKSBURG SUNSET:
A sunset paints the Appalachian sky bright and vivid colors as Hokie Nation exits light.
3. MOUNTAINS:
From hiking to biking and exploring to researching, the mountains of Appalachia are a piece of what makes Blacksburg stand alone in its beauty.
4. SUB STATION II:
A landmark for many Hokies over the course of over 35 years, students and alumni line up around the block for a final bite of Sub Station II and to bid Hamid LaPuasa a happy retirement.
5. LANE STADIUM: Hokie Nation jumps together to Enter Sandman, causing Earthquakes and owning the well-deserved title of the best fanbase in College Football.
6. SKIPPER CREW: Lane Stadium erupts as Skipper Crew fires Skipper II celebrating a Hokie score.
7. PUMP FOOTPRINT:
Our time at Tech marked 50 years of women in the Corps, who originally wore “pumps.” At the time, women were forced to wear pumps and skirts regardless of weather, as opposed to the traditional Corps uniforms they wear today.
8. SKIPPER, ESPIRIT DE CORPS & GREGORY GUARD:
Each of these Corps organizations embody the spirit of Tech on gameday through historic traditions, such as guarding the colors of our nation, push-ups after points scored, and the iconic Skipper II cannon.
9. GROWLEY III:
K9 Ambassador of the Corps of Cadets and a friend to all at Virginia Tech, “Stryker” embodies the spirit of Virginia Tech and the Corps.
10. CLASS MOTTO:
Our Class Motto embodies the spirit of Ut Prosim, inspiring each Hokie to wake up everyday with an ethos of “May I Become Less So That Others May Become More.”
11. COWBOY HAT ON ACC CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY:
The Women’s Basketball Team wins their first ACC Championship, securing a #1 seed and home court advantage throughout March Madness, and advancing all the way to Dallas for the Final Four. This marks one of the most successful athletic seasons in school history.
12. CLASS LOGO:
The Class of 2026 Logo is designed to be a beam for our class, incorporating the Roman numerals of “26” and referencing the “Old Style VT” logo used throughout the 1960s-1980s.
13. MAIN STREET & COLLEGE AVENUE: Hokies on and off campus gather together for food, drinks, and fun in downtown Blacksburg.
14. CRANE: Students navigate the evolution of Virginia Tech’s campus-wide construction and growing innovation, including new dining facilities and academic buildings.
15. STARS:
Representing each of Virginia Tech’s nine colleges, Hokie Nation enters night together under a starry Blacksburg sky.
16. DATA & DECISION SCIENCES BUILDING:
An expanding field of study at Virginia Tech across many colleges, the Data and Decision Sciences Building marks a collaboration of students to solve the world’s statistical challenges.
17. LIGHTNING BOLT: Students rush out of Lane Stadium in a pouring thunderstorm after a brief battle against Purdue, which was later resumed nearly six hours alongside a smaller yet equally as passionate Hokie crowd.
18. FIREWORKS:
A celebratory trademark at Tech, Hokies watch fireworks after touchdowns in Lane Stadium, on the Drillfield after Ring Premiere and Ring Dance, and following the Homecoming Parade.
19. CORPS LEADERSHIP & MILITARY
SCIENCE BUILDING: Finished in 2023 and standing at three stories and approximately 75,000 gross-square-feet, the CLMS Building houses Corps of Cadets administration, Military Science staff, the Rice Center for Leadership Development, a military museum, and Corps and ROTC support and training spaces.
20. ADDISON CALDWELL:
The Class of 2026 remembers our first student, who marched 26 miles through the Appalachian Mountains to enroll at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1872.
21. DRILLFIELD: Through freezing winds, warm sunshine, and everything in between, Hokies make their daily trek across the Drillfield to get to class, meet up with friends, or grab a bite to eat.
22. HOKIEBIRD: The bronze Hokie Bird statue, formerly in Cassell Coliseum, towers boldly over the Quillen Spirit Plaza, a gathering place for Hokies on campus outside of the newly-renovated Dietrick Hall.
23. COMMONWEALTH CUP: Hokies are reminded that Virginia is “Our State,” as Hokie Nation took over Charlottesville in November of 2023 to watch their football team beat rival UVA 55-17, sending Tech to a 21-point victory in the Military Bowl vs Tulane and a winning season.
24. TULIPS: These signature flowers found in the Hahn Horticulture Garden accompany students as they stroll, study, and decompress in the beauty of Blacksburg nature.
1. EIGHT STARS:
Recognize the eight Virginia Tech alumni recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award bestowed upon a member of the US Armed Forces for selfless service to the nation.
2. US FLAG:
Represents the ideal of democracy and freedom that we strive towards as a nation.
3. THE CORP OF CADETS CREST:
The Corps Crest, designed by Col. Harry D Temple ‘34, represents the tradition that the University was founded on as in all-cadet military academy.
4. TORGERSEN BRIDGE:
Named for the University’s 14th president, Paul Torgersen, Torgersen Bridge acts as a symbolic gateway to campus.
5. THE PYLONS OF THE WAR MEMORIAL:
Engraved on the Pylons are the core values of Virginia Tech: Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim.
6. SCREAMING EAGLE:
Featured on every class ring since 1911, the screaming eagle is a majestic symbol of strength and courage.
7. THREE STARS:
Three stars represent past, present, and future Hokies, who carry Virginia Tech spirit and traditions throughout their lives.
8. BURRUSS HALL:
Named to honor Julian Burris, Class of 1898, the University’s 8th president, Burruss Hall hosts many exciting events including guest speakers, concerts, and ring premiere.
9. COMMONWEALTH FLAG OF VIRGINIA:
As a land grant university, Virginia Tech proudly displays the flag of the Commonwealth.
10. UT PROSIM: The university’s motto, UT Prosim (that may serve) was established in 1896 and remains an enduring principle of Virginia Tech.
11. THE UNIVERSITY SHIELD:
Established in 1896, the University Shield’s four quadrants depict the Great Seal of Commonwealth: the surveyor’s level and leveling rod, a standing ear of corn, and a chemical retort and graduate, which represent the agricultural and mechanical emphasis in the university’s early history.
12. THE 1872 SHIELD:
The 1872 Shield marks the founding year of Virginia Tech as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, and replicates the shield found on the first-ever class ring in 1911.
13. THE CENOTAPH:
In the center of the War Memorial, The Cenotaph bears the names of Virginia Tech alumni awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
14. LEST WE FORGET:
These words are etched on “The Rock”, a memorial on Upper Quad, to honor Virginia Tech alumni who gave their lives in military service during World War I.
15. CROSSED SABRES
A feature of the earliest Virginia Tech class rings, the crossed sabres serve as a reminder of the university’s military heritage, history, and tradition.
CLASS OF 2026 THE LAWSON COLLECTION
LAWSON
RING DANCE
The Ring Dance is one of Virginia Tech’s oldest traditions, symbolizing the transition from junior to senior year and the long-awaited presentation of the class ring. On April 27, 1934, the Class of 1935 held the first-ever Ring Dance in the midst of the Great Depression.
The Ring Dance celebration includes a ceremonial Class Ring Presentation, held in Squires Commonwealth Ballroom. Couples attending receive ribbons in their class colors used to tie one another’s rings to their wrist for presentation.
Time - honored rituals are performed by the Corps of Cadets, as they have been since 1934. Including marching into the ballroom to form the Ring Figure of the graduating class, and the formation of the saber arch. Underneath the arch, first year Cadet
The celebration is wrapped up on Saturday night of the dance weekend. The Corps Gregory Guard stands guard at the Pylons, while “Echo Taps’’ is played by two buglers from the Signal Corps. The Skipper Cannon is then fired over the Drillfield, ending the ceremony. The grand finale takes place on the final night of the dance, with a firework display showcased over the Drillfield, signaling another year of treasured University tradition coming to a close.
2026 RING DANCE COMMITTEE
Your payment may be with cash,
EASY PAYMENT PLAN:
For online orders, your balance will be divided into three equal payments on your MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express and charged at 30-day intervals. Your first payment also includes sales tax, shipping and handling.
This is an abbreviation for pennyweight, which is the common term for the measurement of precious metals. Balfour uses pennyweight to calculate the amount of metal used to manufacture your custom Virginia Tech Class Ring. So as the pennyweight increases, so does the weight and thickness of your ring.
LAWSON 40 DWT
LAWSON 34 DWT
LAWSON 28 DWT
LAWSON 22 DWT
BROYDEN 1872
SACRIFICE
LAWSON 12 DWT
LAWSON 5 DWT
LAWSON MINIATURE
HONOR
HARMONY CZ
HARMONY DIA
ACHIEVEMENT CZ
ACHIEVEMENT DIA
SUNSET
LUMINESCENCE
LENGTHS AND CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE REGARDING DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP: The rings are warranted to be free of defects in workmanship and materials.
LENGTH AND SCOPE OF GUARANTEE REGARDING STONES AND STONE DECORATION: Any damaged simulated stone will be replaced at no charge regardless of the cause of damage.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR RING RESIZING AND RING ADJUSTMENTS: The ring will be resized at any time at no charge.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED RINGS:
If, through normal wear and tear, a ring is worn beyond satisfaction, it may be exchanged for a new ring. There is no charge for this remake. If a ring is damaged beyond satisfaction outside of these parameters, another ring can be purchased for the cost of Balfour’s existing remake charge.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR ORDERING ADDITIONAL RINGS:
Additional rings may be ordered at any time. After December 31, 2025, the rings may be ordered at the prevailing price at the time of order. The prevailing price will be determined according to the cost of gold and stones at the time of ordering.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR CHANGES IN ACADEMIC COLLEGE DESTINATION:
A classmate who changes colleges at VT after a ring is purchased may return the ring one-time to be remade with proper college designation at no charge.
REFUND POLICY FOR RINGS RETURNED FOR STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO GRADUATE WITH THE CLASS DESIGNATED ON THE RING:
A classmate who fails to graduate with their Class may return the ring for a full refund less processing fees.
RESPONSIBILITY AND PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF WARRANTY CLAUSES:
The Ring Design Committee will resolve disputes as to the validity of the warranty clauses. With Balfour’s philosophy that the customer is always right, such arbitration by the Committee should never be necessary.
CONDITIONS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES FOR RESTORING RING FINISH:
Should a classmate not be totally satisfied with his or her original choice of finish, refinishing would be completed at no charge.
CONDITIONS ON HOW REPAIRS ARE MADE, WHOM TO CONTACT, AND HOW SHIPPING RATES ARE HANDLED: Prior to graduation, service dates will be established to handle any adjustments. All shipping, handling and insurance costs will be the responsibility of Balfour during these sessions.
CLASS PROGRAMS ADVISED BY STUDENT AND YOUNG ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT.
