October 24, 2024
The symbols on the Class of 2025’s ring
Celebrations for the Class of 2025’s Senior Ring Weekend begin on Friday, October 25, culminating with the distribution and blessing of rings at Mass on Sunday.
The classic ring design includes a black onyx stone, which represents one of Providence
College’s school colors. Learn about the other symbols on each side of this year’s ring, as selected and described by the Senior Ring Weekend core committee:
The college side
B.A./B.S.: These letters represent the type of degree that a Providence College student will earn, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Veritas: The Providence College motto, meaning “truth.”
1917: In honor of the year that Providence College was founded.
Moon phase: The moon phase on this side of the ring is the Waning Gibbous phase, the moon phase that will be over our heads as our journey together at Providence College comes to a close, as we enter the world, the Commencement of the Class of 2025, May 17, 2025.
The Providence skyline: The Providence city skyline shows the students’ connection with the city of Providence. This skyline is the one seen on the walk from upper to lower campus.
Flame: Represents the Class of 2025 as the 107th graduating class from Providence College as we continue in our search for truth.
Rosary: The rosary beads surrounding the Veritas shield signify the religious influence on campus as a part of both the spiritual and academic growth for many students.
The class side
Friarhead: Whether on a Division 1 athletic jersey competing in the Big East, or the billboard on I-95 welcoming us home, the Friarhead is the symbol of Providence College. Our beloved mascot represents what it means to be part of the Friar Family, exemplifies our values aligned with the Dominican tradition, and serves as an emblem of pride for students and alumni of Providence College.
Harkins Hall: Harkins Hall is one of the most notable buildings on campus. Founded in 1917 by Dominican Friars with Bishop Matthew Harkins of Providence, the hall serves as one of the college’s academic buildings. With lovely architecture and classic design, Harkins serves as a reminder of where PC started. This engraving of Harkins, and the Waning Gibbous moon phase in the background, paints the scene from the first time we stood together as the Class of 2025 — the first day
of fall orientation on August 26, 2021. This moon shows the phase that was over our heads as our journey together began.
Flowers: Every PC student knows the emergence of spring on campus when the trees are full of cherry blossoms. Students look forward to their bloom, seeing it as a symbol of the seasons and letting them know that the exciting end of year traditions are just around the corner. The cherry blossoms are coupled with the blue violet, the Rhode Island state flower, representing our place within the greater community and the entire state.
Shamrock: Providence College’s Division I basketball team had a remarkable season during the 2021-2022 school year. The Friars’ historic season lifted spirits and brought together PC students during the aftermath of the pandemic. It was this year that the Class of 2025 learned of “the Luck of the Friars.” Ending with a Big East championship win and a place in the NCAA’s “Sweet Sixteen,” the Friars had a fantastic run and made their mark on our time at Providence College. The shamrock serves as a reminder that when Friars come together, there is nothing that can stop us.
Basketball net and Aquinas Lawn: The Class of 2025 was the last sophomore class to live in Aquinas Hall; while not everyone lived here, the lawn served as a place of gathering to all. On a warm spring day in 2023, the Class of 2025 could easily be found enjoying the weather together on this lawn: doing DWC readings, playing spikeball, or basking in an Adirondack chair. If you look closely, you will see a familiar outline of Aquinas Lawn, where the Class of 2025 was able to become a close-knit family.
The clock: The clock outside of the Slavin Center is a pillar of our campus. From walking to class or grabbing a coffee at Dunkin’, most students pass this clock on a daily basis. Within the clock is a globe, representing that while our campus is in Providence, Rhode Island, the Class of 2025 has studied all over the world through many study abroad programs, enriching our education and our perspectives of the world. Ultimately, the clock symbolizes the passing of time and encourages us to enjoy every moment that we spend on campus and with our Friar family.
The flame: One of the most recognizable features on campus is the flame. The flame was brought to campus in 2017 for the centennial, and represents Providence College’s motto, Veritas, which means “truth.” The flame is a centerpiece on campus and acts as a beacon guiding us to truth.
