April 26, 2024
East Texas Baptist University honored 159 graduating seniors with the presentation of their official ETBU Class Ring. The Ring Blessing ceremony was held Wednesday, April 24, for the soon-to-be ETBU alumni that will walk the stage in May 2024. Inspired by Deuteronomy 6, the class ring allows ETBU Alumni to carry and display the love of Christ.
"The Ring Blessing ceremony at ETBU is a cherished tradition where graduating seniors receive their class rings, symbolizing their journey at our university,” Vice President for Advancement and Administrative Affairs Scott Bryant said. “We take pride in these students, knowing they will carry the values of faith and excellence forward into the world, representing both the Lord and our institution with honor."
Each ETBU Class Ring features the seal of East Texas Baptist, surrounded by the cornerstones of the University – Veritas, Mores, and Scientia, which translate from Latin to Truth, Character, and Knowledge. Inscribed in the ring are significant icons of ETBU and the Christian faith, such as the historic Marshall Hall, the Light on the Hill, Max Greiner’s Divine Servant Statue, and the Bible. These symbols are meant to remind alumni of God’s work in their lives and their transformational experience at East Texas Baptist University.
"Receiving my ETBU ring is a symbol of my hard work and dedication during my time at ETBU,” mass communications major Jack Sladek said. “It's a tangible reminder of the transformative four years spent at ETBU, growing in my faith and shaping me for the future."
The ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of students during their time at ETBU and serves as a milestone for students leading up to commencement. As a token and gift of appreciation from the University to graduating seniors, the ETBU Class Ring symbolizes the University’s blessing over students as they commence from ETBU to pursue their career callings. Director of Alumni Relations and Intercessory Prayer Ministry Coordinator Cari Johnson (’94) delivered a blessing over the graduating seniors to conclude the Ring Blessing chapel service.
“As you carry the love of Christ with you wherever you go, you can now also carry this token of the Christian education you received,” Johnson said. “Upon your graduation, you'll forever be a part of the Christ-centered legacy of East Texas Baptist University. Our hope is that these rings will open the door for Gospel conversations about how God has worked in your life and how He used your time on the Hill to equip and refine you.”