Letters

To the editor

An engaging tradition

The summer 2018 edition of the Virginia Tech Magazine arrived today, and as usual, I read it cover to cover within short order. And, as usual, I was very impressed with what is going on today at my alma mater. The articles were enlightening, and the stories of accomplishments of various personalities were very interesting.

But, what caught my fancy was the great article about Ring Dance by Patty Perillo on page 72. I wasn’t sure the tradition had survived the many years since my days at Tech. My wife, Judie, and I led the formal figure or in today’s words—formation—proceeding the festivities. I was the shortest member of the Class of ’62 attending, and Judie was a perfect fit. We still cherish the picture of me in the mandatory tux and her in the mandatory white formal. Judie presented me with my class ring, and I presented her with an engagement ring. We celebrated all weekend and are still celebrating today!

Seth P. Oginz ’62

Bent Mountain, Virginia

Well connected

While tidying a pile on my home desk, I came across the 2016 Virginia Tech Magazine. Obviously at the time it came I thought I was too busy to read it. I’m so glad I set it aside rather than toss it.

Today, the beautiful cover pulled me in. I read the whole thing. I believe I enjoyed this issue more than any I have received, especially the lost ring stories. Thank you so much for all you do to keep far-flung Hokies feeling part of the Virginia Tech family.

While I haven’t done the great things so many stories are about, I am grateful for my VT education and for the degree, which contributed to my ability to achieve my life goals, humble as they may be.

Dorothea R. Schwind St. John ’75

Buckeye, Arizona

From the editor:

The class ring tradition at Virginia Tech dates back more than 100 years. Our university is one of only a few colleges and universities that redesign their ring collection each year. Since 2014, as part of the tradition, all of the gold rings include “Hokie Gold,” a symbol of the connection between all alumni of Virginia Tech.

Where does Hokie Gold come from? Alumni and families of alumni bequeath or donate their class rings—which are melted down to be included in the class rings of the next junior class. Rings may be donated directly or by bequest through The Hokie Gold Legacy Program, which was initiated by class members from the 1964 M Company of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, with support from the Alumni Association.

To learn more about how you can pass on the spirit and traditions of Virginia Tech through visit the Hokie Gold Legacy Program.

Erica Stacy

Editor