Family Ring Day

Sometimes it's as much about the timeline as the actual event. Agreed, said Christie Farrar '08. Three months preparation now behind her, she carried the gravity of Aggie Ring Day on two slips of paper.

A circle of gold, stamped with symbolism and history—it was her day and her ring. "But it's more than that," she said. Her mother, Julie Farrar '82, would receive her Aggie Ring, too. As an undergrad, Mrs. Farrar had earned the distinction but didn't have the money for such a large purchase. In the early '80s, high gold prices pushed the cost of a woman's Aggie Ring to almost $300. "Mom always said she got an engagement ring instead of an Aggie Ring, but, she always wanted one," Christie said.

So, as a surprise, the family made the 25-year-postponed purchase together. As Christie sat fiddling with two ring receipts, 12 friends and family members were on the road to College Station. Mrs. Farrar had no idea.

Christie is the only daughter of two A&M grads. Given the affinities of both parents, Christie said she's sure she was dressed in Aggie-wear and taught traditions early. She and her brother, Charles Jordan Farrar '09, grew up subconsciously taking notice of Aggie Rings, she said. "I always saw my dad with his. My grandfather graduated from here and has his Aggie Ring," as does an uncle and a cousin.

That sense of family is what makes the Aggie Ring so special, Christie said. Ring Day is a milestone. In an environment so focused on camaraderie, family ties and respect for the past, receiving the Ring with all its symbolism is reassurance that you belong. "It's the same way with Mom," Christie said. "Giving her the ring from the whole family is like representing that she's part of the family. It's reaffirming how close we are through the tradition of the Aggie Ring."

But first, she'd have to lie to her.

"To order the ring, I had to get her Social Security number and ask what's on her diploma," Christie said. "I told her it was for a scholarship."

Mrs. Farrar believed her and never asked about it again, until Christie brought up the issue again at Ring Day. The younger Farrar had just been handed her Aggie Ring when she turned to her mother. "Give them your driver's license; it's for the scholarship," Christie said.

Odd request, but the environment around Ring Day can almost be described as a force where personal space is forfeited as families share in the excitement. That day, with almost 1,900 ring recipients, the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center buzzed. Maybe that's why Mrs. Farrar didn't ask questions.

The family inched closer, Christie bit back a smile and Mrs. Farrar dug for her ID. Identity confirmed, the ring box opened, revealing an '82 Aggie Ring.

"It's just completing the circle," Christie said. "She has done so much for our family. She's the best mom. It's fun to be able to share this with my best friend."