More than 100 students dyed a hand Lobo cherry during The University of New Mexico’s spring Ring Ceremony held recently in the Student Union Ballrooms.
The one-of-a-kind UNM tradition celebrates the history and meaning behind the class ring while giving participants a memorable experience.
Scott said the cherry dye is made with acrylic paint, tempera paint, food coloring and Kool-Aid. Once a participant’s hand is red, they’re able to take advantage of some sponsorships Lobo Spirit sets up for the event. Students are able to get a free a burger from Blake’s or a sweet roll from Frontier, just to name a few.
“I was really excited for this. It’s just about participating in the UNM traditions and having my hand dyed red was really exciting,” said Rebecca Boddy, a soon to be UNM alumna. “For me, [the ring] just a reminder of the time I’ve spent here and my accomplishments at UNM.”
The ceremony, held at the end of both the fall and spring semesters, is open to all students and alumni who have completed at least 60 credit hours at the University.
While Scott says the Ring Ceremony is her favorite event at UNM, she admits it isn’t the most popular tradition on campus. Because of the cost of the ring, many students aren’t able to participate, but Scott hopes they can continue to grow the event every year.
“You should be proud that you graduated from college, especially in this community,” she said. “Going to college isn’t something that everyone does or has the opportunity to do and a class ring is a reminder of that accomplishment.”