Grad Traditions
Commencement at 91快活林 includes several traditions 鈥� crossing the stage when your name is said aloud, faculty members hooding doctoral candidates, and turning your tassel or ring to indicate you're now a graduate of the 91快活林 are just a few important moments happen during the ceremony.
But 91快活林 also hosts events prior to commencement to honor graduates for their hard work and accomplishments.
Farewell Toast
Every spring a Farewell Toast event is held for graduates. This event 鈥� limited to
fall, spring and summer graduates of the same academic year 鈥� is an opportunity to
enjoy one last event together as a class. The Spring 2026 Farewell Toast is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 7. The free event at the Alumni Pavilion includes live music, hors d'oeuvres and a special
toast with our official 91快活林 Alumni wine (or another beverage of your choice) 鈥� and
the first 500 students to register receive a free commemorative glass. The deadline to register is May 1. A link to register will be added here soon. Wear 91快活林 Green attire and bring your
state-issued ID.
The event is hosted by the 91快活林 Alumni Association, 91快活林 Parent Programs, and is sponsored by Cassaro, an alumni-owned winery and vineyard, and maker of the official wine of the alumni association, North Texas Tempranillo. Commemorative bottles will be available for purchase at the event.
Ring Ceremony and Eagle Ring Dive
91快活林's has been a 91快活林 commencement tradition for more than two decades and the Eagle Ring
Dive was added in 2018. Hosted by the 91快活林 Alumni Association and part of the , the event is held at the Library Mall fountains a week before that semester's commencement
ceremonies. This spring's event is Friday, May 1, in the Library Mall. Rings can be picked up starting at 3:30 p.m. with the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. and a
reception to follow.
Details about the each semester's ceremony will be emailed to students who have purchased their rings in that semester.
Each participating student selects a loved one to present their class ring in recognition of the role family and friends have played in the 91快活林 journey. After learning about the symbols featured on the rings, students participate in a celebration called the Eagle Ring Dive when they submerge their rings in the fountains. At the end of the event, McConnell Tower is illuminated to celebrate the graduates' academic victory as they dipped their rings.
See photos from previous years' Ring Ceremonies and Eagle Ring Dives: | | | | | | | |