BELTON, Texas—As part of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s (UMHB) Family Weekend celebrations, the university held its senior Ring Ceremony on Friday, September 18. Nearly 200 seniors graduating in December 2026 and May 2027 participated in the tradition on the Luther Memorial lawn in the heart of campus. Special music was provided by One Voice, senior Melissa Wilcox read scripture, and senior Abel Zavala prayed to begin the ceremony. Dr. Brandon Skaggs, UMHB’s Vice President for Student Life, spoke about the tradition, Tony Morales, class of 2002, gave an alumni testimony, and senior Mia Davis offered a student’s perspective.
“It’s always great to be back on campus to celebrate with our future alumni,” said Tony Morales. “Alumni, do you still wear your class ring? What does it mean to you? This ring doesn’t just mark where you have been; it represents where you belong. Alumni, we belong to such a special place!”
Senior Mia Davis addressed her classmates by saying, “As we leave tonight with our rings on our fingers, may we see them as reminders of everything UMHB has given us—and everything we have given to UMHB. May your ring be a symbol of accomplishment, representing all that you have learned, experienced, and poured into this university during your time as a Crusader. Seniors, let us wear our rings with pride and finish this season with confidence, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose, trusting that God has gone before us and has a plan for every step ahead.”
UMHB’s official school ring was custom designed in 1995 when the university marked its sesquicentennial, and the ring’s intricate design incorporates many of the university’s rich traditional symbols listed below:
- The Living Flame symbolizes UMHB’s enduring commitment to education.
- The Crusader represents the spirit of the university in its quest for excellence.
- The Luther Memorial arches memorialize the first building on the Belton campus.
- The W.W. Walton Chapel symbolizes the university’s strong Christian heritage and continued desire to reach the world for Christ.
Students wear the ring with the university’s name facing them until they graduate, when it is turned to face outward, symbolizing the graduate’s readiness to face the world. The UMHB ring is a visible, tangible manifestation of the ever-present bond between UMHB and its alumni.
To learn more about UMHB’s Ring Ceremony or to watch a recording of the event, visit www.umhb.edu/ring.
