Florida State University graduating students marked an important milestone toward becoming FSU alumni during the annual Ring Ceremony Monday, March 26, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
Speakers included President John Thrasher; Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht; Damon Edmond, senior class president; alumnus Dustin Daniels; and Nicole Blonsick, president of the Student Alumni Association.
Thrasher told graduating students that this should be a time to reflect on their FSU experience.
“When you made the decision to attend Florida State, you became part of our family,” Thrasher said. “When you look at your ring, I hope you will remember that your FSU family will always be here for you. We are so proud of you.”
Students were presented with their rings, put them on their fingers and stated the ring pledge during the ceremony — a longstanding tradition at Florida State.
“I pledge to uphold the Seminole Creed; demonstrate strength, skill, and character; and live the values of this institution, now and through all of my future endeavors. I am a True Seminole.”
Blonsick left her classmates with these words, “We are students today. We are alumni tomorrow. We are Seminoles forever.”
Following the formal ceremony, attendees gathered at the Westcott Fountain. The fountain has three levels, each level symbolizing a different core value of Florida State University — Vires, Artes and Mores.
At exactly 6:51 p.m. the graduating students dipped their rings in the water for a moment of reflection. The time of 6:51 p.m. is specifically selected because in military time 6:51 p.m. is read as 1851, the founding date of Florida State University.