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October 15, 2004

ULM Unveils First Ever Official University Ring

(Click here for photos)

The design of the official ring for the University of Louisiana at Monroe was displayed for the first time during homecoming week. The university's official ring is a new way for ULM to continue to build on its rich traditions and pride with easily recognizable symbols that celebrate ULM's culture and history.

The ring, made by Josten's, Inc., includes several symbols of ULM.
The traditions and history represented:

*1931 recognizes ULM's beginning as Ouachita Parish Junior College and the opening of classes on September 28th of that year.

*The bayou symbol represents the place of ULM's beginning and reflects the first words of ULM's Alma Mater, "By the bayou's tranquil water"

*The six cypress trees represent the history of ULM's establishment, as, moving clockwise from the extreme left, they represent Ouachita Parish Junior College, Northeast Center of Louisiana State University, Northeast Junior College of LSU, Northeast Louisiana State College, Northeast Louisiana University and The University of Louisiana at Monroe.

*The Indian below the cypress trees symbolizes a composite of local Native American tribes of the area and reflects the mural on the Student Union Building.

*The opposite side of the ring shows the year of graduation over a depiction of two significant buildings- Brown Hall as the first (and for a time the only building on campus) and the University Library with its view of Bayou DeSiard and the BellTower.

*Underneath lies the official seal of ULM.

*The stylized "L" in the center of the stone should be worn with its curve facing forward (toward the end of your finger). This "L" represents the athletic traditions at ULM, including championships and significant accomplishments in football, basketball, track, golf, tennis, baseball, softball, and swimming and diving, as well as representing all of the fine athletes who have competed on ULM's fields since 1931.

*Surrounding the stone is the name of the campus, the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

"We are very pleased with the ring," Pam Shepherd, ULM Alumni Relations Director, said. "It was amazing to us when we realized there was not an official ULM ring- we saw it as a wonderful opportunity to have one official piece that would represent ULM."

Shepherd also said, "It turned out very nicely and we think new graduates and past graduates will like it, too."

The idea of having an official ring came about when a former student of the 31 Ambassadors organization in the Alumni Relations Office brought up the idea. A university committee composed of students, Alumni Office personnel, University staff (all alumni) and faculty (all alumni) was then formed.

Alumni and eligible students may order the ring beginning Thursday, October 21. For more information contact Pam Shepherd at 342-3601.

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