The UTRGV ring serves as a symbol of accomplishment. The ring is a connection between the past and future graduates that have earned the right to carve their name in vaquero legacy.

The first official UTRGV ring was revealed in 2017. The establishment of the ring tradition at UTRGV symbolized the unification of future and past vaqueros who have received bachelors, masters, doctorates, or doctorates in medicine. The first official ring was designed with input from students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

Student jewelry designers were tasked with creating preliminary designs that told the story of a student's educational journey. The official UTRGV ring design is a true testament to a ring design for students by students.

VAQUERO LEGACY

  RING  

  TRADITION  

The Ring Ceremony is a tradition that demonstrates school pride; where students receive their official UTRGV ring. This ceremony is an acknowledgment of the ring recipient's accomplishments while being surrounded and celebrated by friends and family.

As per tradition, students receiving their ring partake in the ceremonial “Orange V” – where students stamp their right index and middle fingers onto orange dye to make the orange “V” sign.

  MEANING OF  

  THE RING  

Sport your Vaquero pride with a design that consists of a suite of styles that has the same ring top design but varying sides or “shanks”.

The ring top can be selected in a metal or gemstone finish. Diamonds can also be added to the ring top. Students will be able to personalize the shanks based on their college, graduation year, and degree.  

The vision and commitment to the design was an effort led by both staff and students to represent unity and recognition of academic achievement.

The UT Systems Seal represents “The Origin of Heraldic Arms” 

The Book represents "Institution of Learning"

The Laurel and Star affirm "Victory and Triumph"

HOW TO ORDER

SELECT YOUR CAMPUS BELOW

SELECT YOUR DEGREE FROM THE COLLEGE RINGS CATALOG

SELECT YOUR RING SIZE AND PERSONALIZE IT TO YOUR LIKING

TAKE PART IN A ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRADITION AND CEMENT YOUR LEGACY

The UTRGV ring is available to eligible students and alumni.  Students will be eligible to purchase a ring upon completion of 75 credit hours. 

UTRGV is excited to continue the legacy with even more ring design options. These new rings are coming soon this Fall and will be available for purchase. All designs are available to eligible students and alumni.

SYMBOLISM & MEANING

TRADITIONAL DESIGN

  THE ALL NEW  

  PETITE DESIGNS  

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Clery Crime Reports | Texas Homeland Security | Texas Veterans | Mental Health Resources

Rectangular Design

Round Design

Similar to the original collection showcasing the UTRGV wordmark with the rocking “R” and the UT System shield. Students will be able to change out the stone in the center of the seal to match their stone color of significance.

The ring top is rectangular in shape consistent with the original collection, but the shanks are slenderized. Students will be able to personalize the shanks with the engraving of their graduation year and degree. 

Customizable options include: 

A. The ring top will be available in metal or gemstone 

B. Diamonds, cubic zirconia or gemstones can be added to the ring top  

The ring top is round with more slender shanks than Design A. Engraving is an option for the inside of the band. All other design elements of the original design will not be present. 

Customizable options include: 

A. The ring top will only be available in metal

B. Diamonds, cubic zirconia or gemstones can be added to the ring top.  

RING TOP DESIGN

NEW RING DESIGNS

SHANKS DESIGNS

AND MEANING

Gonfalons
Unity and family groups

Palm
Stylized Sabal Palm recognizing our native ecology and represented on the Presidential medallion

Arches
An architectural signifier of Valley unity

Sunrays
Representation of our fruitful weather, illumination, 
life, and rebirth

Year of Graduation & Degree of Study

School of Medicine

College of Liberal Arts

College of 
Health Professions

Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship

College of Education
& P-16 Integration

College of
Sciences

College of Engineering & Computer Science

College of
Fine Arts

Exclusive Ring Partner of UTRGV

      2023 UTRGV RING SCHOLARSHIP      

The UTRGV class ring which was first unveiled in 2017 is a creation designed by UTRGV students for UTRGV students (see video here). The elements displayed on the UTRGV Ring are symbols representing the RGV’s history and unity. At the first ring ceremony, President Guy Bailey stated “The UTRGV ring is a symbol of the institution that you will carry with you at all times, a symbol of what you have achieved and that you’ll look back on for the rest of your lives.”

The University, in conjunction with our exclusive ring manufacturer, Jostens, will award four students a credit value of $500.00 each towards the purchase of the Official UTRGV Ring. The selected students will have demonstrated the attributes of outstanding academic achievement, volunteerism, and Vaquero Pride. This scholarship is intended to recognize those students and present them with the Official UTRGV Ring as a token of honor into the family of UTRGV alums.

DEADLINE: Submit Application by Wednesday, February 1, 2023

  AWARD AMOUNT / SELECTION PROCESS:   

• Credit of $250.00 towards a UTRGV Official Ring by Jostens
• Students will be notified by the Office of Campus Auxiliary Services after September 13, 2024, if they have been selected by the Ring Scholarship Selection Committee
• Selected students to order their ring during Ring Days at the Campus Store locations in Brownsville and Edinburg. Click here for Ring Days Schedule: UTRGV Ring Information 

    ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:    

• Undergraduate student and have at least 75 credit hours towards your degree by the application deadline or a graduate student (this does not include certificate programs).

• Enrolled at UTRGV for Fall 2024
• Cumulative institutional grade point average of at least 3.25
• Good academic and disciplinary standing

  PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE:  

• Participated in community involvement
• Served in a leadership role as a UTRGV student
• Promoted school spirit (“Vaquero Pride”)
• Academic achievements

  THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THE APPLICATION:   

• An essay of no more than 250 words advising the Ring Scholarship Selection Committee about your academic achievements, community involvement, demonstration of Vaquero Pride, and why you should be awarded the UTRGV Ring Scholarship. 

Email Questions to RING@UTRGV.EDU

The Ring Ceremony is a tradition that demonstrates school pride; where students receive their official UTRGV ring. This ceremony is an acknowledgment of the ring recipient's accomplishments while being surrounded and celebrated by friends and family.

As per tradition, students receiving their ring partake in the ceremonial “Orange V” – where students stamp their right index and middle fingers onto orange dye to make the orange “V” sign.

SPRING 2023 RING CEREMONIES DETAILS

      2023 UTRGV RING SCHOLARSHIP      

Please email any questions to ring@utrgv.edu. Apply now for your chance to win this special scholarship!

Application Opens: Monday, August 7, 2023 by 8:00 am
Deadline to Apply: Friday, September 1, 2023 by 11:00 pm

May 3rd - 6:00 pm

Plains Capital El Gran Salon

Doors open - 5:30 pm

Parking Information:

Lot B2 or B3 

UTRGV Brownsville Campus Parking Zones - Google My Maps

Brownsville 

Edinburg

May 8th - 6:00 pm 

Edinburg Performing Arts Complex

Doors open - 5:30 pm

Parking Information:

Lot E19

UTRGV Edinburg Campus Parking Zones - Google My Maps 

RSVP Information: 

An evite with RSVP information will be sent to the email address the recipient provided when their ring order was taken.

What to Wear: 

Business casual attire is highly encouraged for our ring recipients. 

Ring recipients will be required to check-in at 5:00 pm.

Ring Ceremony FAQs:

Is an RSVP required for ring recipients?

Yes, ring recipients will receive an email with RSVP information to which their response is required.

Is an RSVP required for guests?

Yes, due to limited seating, ring recipients shall RSVP for their guests via the event evite.

What if I have special accommodations to be requested?

Please contact ring@utrgv.edu by April 26, 2023, for special accommodations.

Are children allowed at the event?

Yes, to ensure the safety of our attendees, strollers need to remain in the areas designated with signage.

Can I bring my noisemakers and balloons?

While not allowed inside the event, noisemakers and balloons can be used outside the buildings where the ceremonies are taking place.

Will my photo be taken at the ceremony?

Yes, a professional photographer will be on hand to take photos of your special day. Also, a backdrop will be available to take personal photos with your guests.

Complete the online application form here:

Learn more about the UTRGV Ring Scholarship application process here:

Applications are NOW OPEN  for the Fall 2023 UTRGV Ring Scholarship, and (4) students will be awarded a $500 credit toward purchasing the official UTRGV class ring. A class ring is a timeless memento of your academic achievements and memories. Owning this enduring symbol of your Vaquero pride allows you to carry a piece of your UTRGV experience wherever you go! 

RING CEREMONY TRADITION

Event information:
-Edinburg: November 14, 2023 at 6:00pm at the Performing Arts Complex
-Brownsville: November 16, 2023 at 6:00pm at the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salon
-Doors open at 5:30pm for both ceremonies

Ring Ceremony Programs:

RSVP information:

-An evite with RSVP information has been sent to the email address provided by the ring recipient when their ring order was taken.
-RSVP Deadline: October 27th at 11:00pm

What to wear:
-Business casual attire is highly encouraged for our ring recipients
-Ring recipients will be required to check-in at 5:00pm

Where to park:

Edinburg Ceremony

November 14, 2023

Brownsville Ceremony

November, 16, 2023

School of
Social Work

School of
Nursing