Lander Ring Ceremony Marks Celebration of Achievement on Academic Journey

Lander University’s recent Ring Ceremony for upperclassmen represented more than a tradition: it was a celebration of achievement, perseverance and the journey each student has taken.

Surrounded by family, friends and members of the campus community, students received their class rings as enduring symbols of their academic accomplishments and the hours spent in classrooms and late nights studying. The rings also underscore each person’s resilience, growth and determination that define their ownLander experience.

The deep sense of pride that family members shared was double for Jessica Thomas, of Greenwood, whose sons Justin Simpkins, a senior business major graduating in May; and Jaden Simpkins, a junior majoring in accounting, received their Lander rings.

“To see my sons work so hard to accomplish this – and to do this together – means so much to me,” Thomas said. “I am very proud of them, and I’m not embarrassed to say that today I’ve had a lot of tears.”

Justin Simpkins, whose academic journey included earning an associate’s degree before attending Lander, has worked full time with CSX railway while earning his degree. “Today, I have a feeling of accomplishment. The hard work has paid off,” he said. “And doing this with my brother is personal. We’re bonded for life – even in college.”

Jaden Simpkins, who came to Lander as a member of the track and field team, looked at his hand and smiled. “This looks good,” he said. “It feels good to know that I’m almost there. This ring symbolizes a real achievement and one that I was lucky to share with my brother.”

Their sister, Gabrielle Thomas, is planning on becoming a future Lander ring recipient. She will begin her studies in Lander’s School of Nursing in the fall. “It’s a family legacy to attend Lander, and it’s reassuring. My brothers have been successful, and I can be successful, too,” she said.

For one ring recipient, the moment carried a deep significance. Jazmin Garner is the first in her family to graduate from college. Garner said the ring represents personal achievement and an important milestone.

“Lander has given me opportunities to grow and evolve into the person I am today. I knew from the first tour that Lander was where I was meant to be. Today marks an important day for my family and for me,” she said.

Savannah Lacey, of Summerville, graduates in May with a degree in political science and is planning to attend law school. Her Lander ring “shows that hard work and dedication pay off … even when you feel that things won’t work out, it does work out if you stay the course and believe in yourself.”

In describing the ring, Lacey said, “It looks like success.”

Brittany Tims, Lander’s director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Fundraising, told ring recipients, “As a student, you will wear your ring with the seal facing your heart. This will serve as a reminder of the passion you have for Lander during your remaining time as a student.”

As graduates, “you will wear your ring with the seal facing the world, so that as you venture out you may show others the love you have for your alma mater,” she said. “Let this ring serve as a token of the pride and affection that you have for Lander.”