From the past to present, John Shappell ’70 and 15 students receive college class rings during a special ceremony.
By Megan Z. Shearin | March 18, 2010
John Shappell ’70 figures he lost his college class ring 12 years ago because he accidently misplaced it or the cat drug it off somewhere.
He wanted to replace it right away – but from attending seminary, putting three daughters through college and providing for their weddings, it was never the right time to purchase that symbolic gold jewelry displaying his beloved College seal.
Until this year, which marked Shappell’s 40th anniversary as a member of Virginia Wesleyan’s College’s first graduating class. He decided last Christmas that 2010 would be the year, so Shappell, along with 15 current students, recently received their class rings during a special ceremony at the John Wesley statue.
“This ring is a symbol, one that notes our accomplishment in having graduated,” said Shappell, the first alumnus to read the Ring Oath at the Candle Lighting Ceremony. “It’s also a symbol of the accomplishments and growth of the College itself.”
For Shappell, the lure of Virginia Wesleyan was that it was brand new. So new, in fact, that he was a part of the original committee that designed the first college ring.
“That first design had the College seal with the graduation year on one side,” said Shappell. “The other side had the seals of Norfolk and Virginia Beach super imposed, one on the other.”
Today’s rings can be customized with the College seal, the Monumental Bell Tower, the Marlin mascot, or social events such as a fraternity or sorority. Rings can also be personalized with the student’s name or initials. Fond memories of Wesleyan traditions, classmates and professors remain the same, however, with alumni of all class years.
“I can name almost every attendee, faculty and staff member at the event, which brought me back to why I came to Virginia Wesleyan,” said Nina Ruiz ’11 from Staten Island, N.Y. “I wanted a small school, with individual attention from professors, where I knew everyone, and that is exactly what I experienced at the ring ceremony.”
Now a pastor at First Norfolk United Methodist Church, Shappell has the chance to celebrate his College experience all over again with his new class ring. His college class ring is also a reminder of another ring, his wedding band. It was at Virginia Wesleyan where he met and married his wife, Ann Shappell ’70. The couple will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this July.
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