Fifteen years ago, a single mother of a two-year-old said “yes”—to herself, her future, and her daughter’s future. Determined to earn a degree in Journalism and Media Studies, she took the next step on her educational journey at New Mexico State University. On December 12, 2020, graduation day, there was a knock at her door. “It was the class ring I had finally decided to purchase, being delivered just in time,” says Crystal Segovia Gomez. “My ring is a constant reminder of the reasons I said ‘yes,’ and how that decision changed my life.”

NMSU students have said “yes” to the ring for more than 90 years, choosing to wear with pride a symbol that connects thousands of Aggie alumni across generations. While the styles have evolved, the origins of the alumni ring are steeped in meaning.

“I’ve seen the joy these class rings bring to our graduates for many semesters, and for each Aggie, it represents a unique bond to NMSU,” said Ann Goodman, associate vice president of Student Development at NMSU. “This ring is a lasting reminder of their incredible experiences at NMSU and forever connects them to the thousands of Aggies who came before and after them.”​

The original ring, designed by the Board of Regents in 1930, was described as a gold ring with etched symbols representing the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts’ identity: the state flag, the Zuni sun emblem, and an anvil and plow signifying its agricultural heritage.

When the college became New Mexico State University in 1960, the ring was redesigned to match its new name. Three new symbols unique to New Mexico State were selected: a triangle representing NMSU’s land-grant mission of teaching, research, and service; the Organ and “A” Mountains; and the Aggie Memorial Tower.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the variety of NMSU class rings is dazzling. Everything from classic rings in antiqued silver to 18-carat gold rings encircled by diamonds gives students and alumni a wide range of choices for every lifestyle and budget, beginning at just over $200.

Sample rings will be available for fittings on March 18 and 19 during the Grad Fair at the NMSU Bookstore, 1400 University Avenue, Las Cruces. Ring producer Balfour will be on-site to provide pricing, style options, and metal and stone selections. Students, alumni, and parents (this is your accomplishment, too!) can also order a ring online at Balfour’s website. A portion of ring sales supports the NMSU Foundation’s scholarship fund.

Goodman helps present the rings at the Ring Ceremony, sponsored by NMSU Alumni and held the Wednesday before spring and fall commencement. Proud parents and friends are invited to attend and support their graduates. Pistol Pete delivers the rings in a special wooden chest, and each ring is attached to a chile ristra—another unique symbol of the region and a reminder of the community the students call home during their time at NMSU.

As part of the Aggie ring tradition, seniors wear their rings with the inscription “New Mexico State University” facing inward—close to their hearts—while they are still on campus. At graduation, they turn the rings outward, signifying their readiness to face the world.

With so much symbolism and tradition contained in a six-gram band of precious metal, it’s easy to see why generations of Aggies choose a class ring to honor their time at NMSU.