Background
My high school class ring had little meaning to me mostly because I only spent one year at that school. In fact, I don’t even remember wearing it very much. The consolation of being torn away from my original high school in South Carolina was that I finished in North Carolina, which positioned me to attend and graduate from the University of North Carolina, an accomplishment I’ve treasured all my life!
Introduction
I graduated from The University of North Carolina just over 50 years ago in 1973. Since then, I earned another undergraduate degree (high honors) from NC State, an MS from The Institute of Textile Technology, and finally a doctorate from the University of Virginia. I value all those degrees and they all made an impact on what I could accomplish during my lifetime, but the simple fact is, when you cut me, I still bleed light blue!
Besides being one of the most beautiful campuses in the U.S. and the flagship institution in the state, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and public service. Further it was nation’s first public university to open its doors and graduate students. Its founding history reflects the post-Revolutionary War ideals of education and public service. For me as a first generation college student it was an incredible academic experience and a wonderful place to be associated with for all my life! I’ve been fortunate to return to Chapel Hill many times during my lifetime and now, after 50 years, I live on the outskirts of town.
Acquiring a UNC Class Ring
When I finished my time at UNC in 1973, I had a student loan to repay, uncertain career direction and not two nickels to rub together, so I didn’t even think of financing a class ring. On and off over the next 50 years I considered acquiring a ring, but life, family, and achieving some modicum of success in the world of work all got in the way.
Further, I was always perplexed by the number of Class Ring designs available to choose from. It would have been much easier for me if there was a “single ring” design like the Citadel Ring, described by Pat Conroy in “The Lords of Discipline” or the West Point ring documented by Rick Atkinson in “The Long Gray Line.” Instead, the Balfour Company offered multiple designs. In fact at the time of this writing Balfour offers 8 versions for men.
It was 51 years after I graduated, retired as a University Professor in Iowa, and returned to Chapel Hill that I finally acquired a UNC class ring. I was spurred into action by a recent confluence of events. First, my return to the Chapel Hill area intensified my connection to the University. Second, I missed the 50th anniversary celebration of my graduation because I was in Iowa packing up to move back to North Carolina. I really wanted to participate in that ritual but it just would not work and perhaps the ring purchase served as some form of compensation. Finally, for the first time, I joined the UNC Alumni Organization and stumbled upon a story about the Class Ring distribution ritual, including a link to purchase one through the Balfour Company.
I went onto the Balfour website on several different times and finally, after due consideration, decided to make the purchase of a class ring. I purchased the Legend design which can be seen below, which at the time seemed to me to be the default choice, but in retrospect I was probably wrong. At any rate, that was the model I ordered in yellow gold with an antique finish. Before I completed the purchase I went to a local jewelry store to get my ring finger sized and they were kind enough to do it. In the end, I decided to get a 14 kt gold model because it is a yellower gold color, it was not that much more expensive than the standard 10 kt, and it was considerably more durable than the 18 kt ring, which I thought was over the top anyway.
I think it took six to seven weeks to manufacture the ring as each one is customized to some extent. During the wait, I amused myself by occasionally viewing the below Youtube video of a UNC Legend model ring being produced:
When the ring arrived in a non-descript envelope containing a small velvet covered ring box, I was delighted and photographed it:
The Emotional Gravity of a UNC Class Ring
A UNC class ring signifies graduation from, by all measures, a longstanding respected institution and it’s also laden with other meaning. For example, it represents four years of intensive study and intellectual maturity gained. The ring carries with it a deep connection to the past, a pride in tradition and a shared experience stretching back to the days that Hinton James first graduated from the university. Validation of four years of effort is embedded in the ring, as well as a lifetime connection to friends made during that time in Chapel Hill. A deep spiritual connection to the university is embodied by the ring and it serves as an external signal to others with common ties.
The Symbols Engraved into the UNC Class Ring
Below is a photograph of the left side of my class ring, at least as how I wear it on the ring finger of my right hand. I include a brief discussion of the meaning of the various engraved symbols.
- Starting from the bottom of the ring, an engraving depicts the state of North Carolina. One of the original 13 English colonies, and where in 1585 the first settlement was attempted. North Carolina was first to vote for independence from Britain in 1776, and in 1789, it became the 12th state to ratify the U.S. constitution. It bears repeating that North Carolina was the first state to establish a public university.
- Also on that side of the ring is an engraving of The Old Well. The Old Well is one of the university’s most iconic symbols, steeped in history and tradition. The Old Well originally served as the primary water source for the university and nearby residents. It was simply a functional well on campus without any decorative structure. In 1897, President Edwin Alderman commissioned the construction of the current neoclassical structure, inspired by the Temple of Love at the Palace of Versailles in France. The design, featuring a domed roof supported by white columns, gave the Old Well its enduring aesthetic and iconic status. Over time, the Old Well became a symbol of the university’s ideals, representing knowledge, tradition, and the spirit of the institution.
It is a longstanding tradition to consecrate the class ring by dipping it into the water of the Old Well, which I’ve done.
- Surrounding the base of the Old Well on both sides are engravings of acorns. The acorn signifies potential and growth—just as an acorn grows into a towering oak, students grow and achieve greatness through their education at the university.
- The Latin phrase “Esse Quam Videri” carved into the UNC class ring translates to “To Be, Rather Than to Seem.” This phrase is the state motto of North Carolina and embodies the value of authenticity and integrity. It reflects the importance of genuinely possessing virtues and qualities, rather than merely appearing to have them.
- Finally is engraved the date 1973, which is the year I graduated.
Below is a photograph of the right side of my class ring. Again, I include a brief discussion of the meaning of the various engraved symbols.
- At the base of the right side is an engraving of the bottom of a foot with a black circular mark on the heel. This is the Tar Heel, a symbol of deep historical and cultural significance for both the state North Carolina and the University. From an historical standpoint, North Carolina was a major producer of tar, pitch, and turpentine—products derived from the abundant pine forests—in the 18th and 19th centuries. These were vital for shipbuilding and trade, and workers who harvested and processed these materials often ended up with tar sticking to their heels. The nickname “Tar Heel” initially carried a derogatory connotation, used to mock North Carolinians as backwoods laborers.
A more romanticized version of the term “Tar Heel” was mythologized post Civil War when “Tar Heel” was used to depict the bravery of Confederate soldiers from North Carolina, who were said to “stick their ground during battle like they had tar on their heels!” It was even suggested that the well known Confederate General Stonewall Jackson made that statement in the midst of the battle of First Bull Run, though there is no historical proof for this assertion. At any rate, the mythologized roots of the term “Tar Heel” transmogrified into a symbol of North Carolinian and then UNC student resilience and loyalty.
More importantly UNC’s athletic teams are famously known as the Tar Heels, and the term has become a unifying symbol for students, alumni, and fans worldwide.
- Above the engraved Tar Heel is the UNC school seal. The seal typically features the following elements: The Open Book: positioned at the center of the seal, the open book symbolizes knowledge and learning; The Latin Motto (“Lux Libertas”): Translating to “Light and Liberty,” this phrase underscores the university’s mission to enlighten minds and promote freedom through education. The Founding Year (1789): This marks the year the university was chartered, making it the first public university in the United States.
- Surrounding the UNC school seal are oak leaves. The oak tree is a significant symbol for the university representing strength, growth, and endurance, echoing the values and aspirations of UNC and its graduates.
- Above the school seal are engraved the words “Hark the Sound” from the alma mater of the University, titled “Hark the Sound of Tar Heel Voices.” The lyrics below:
Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices,
Ringing clear and true,
Singing Carolina’s praises,
Shouting NCU! (Rah, Rah, Rah!)
Hail to the brightest star of all,
Clear its radiance shine,
Carolina, priceless gem,
Receive all praises thine.
(Chorus)
I’m a Tar Heel born, I’m a Tar Heel bred,
And when I die, I’m a Tar Heel dead!
So it’s rah, rah, Carolina-lina,
Rah, rah, Carolina-lina,
Rah, rah, Carolina, rah, rah, rah!
Go to Hell, Dook!
- Finally topping off the right side of the ring are the letters BA, which speak to my degree, a Bachelor of Arts.
Below is a photograph of the top of my class ring. I include a brief discussion of the various engraved symbols therein.
- Surrounding the outer perimeter is The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. There are universities of North Carolina in other locations, so it’s important to note Chapel Hill, where the original one was founded.
- Of course, the date of 1789 is prominently displayed when the first state university in the U.S. was founded.
- Opposite the date are engraved the words, Tar Heels, which was discussed in detail above.
- In the center is a blue synthetic spinel at its center, representing the university’s iconic school color Carolina Blue. The tradition of Carolina Blue and White dates back to the earliest days of the institution. The synthetic spinel stone is a manufactured gemstone that closely resembles natural spinel, a mineral composed primarily of magnesium and aluminum oxide (MgAl₂O₄). It was first developed in the early 1900s as an alternative to natural gemstones, prized for its affordability, durability, and versatility.
- In the center of the blue stone is the UNC monogram which is an entwined N and C, representing North Carolina. The monogram, originally used on athletic apparel is now ubiquitous.
A note of thanks to ChatGPT for help with questions about class ring symbols, as well as North Carolina and UNC history and traditions.
