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It was a memorable night in Gaines Theatre that brought together Captains from the past and present in a way cherished traditions often do. Though the Ring Ceremony is typically for juniors and seniors receiving their class rings, students were joined this year by a few additional, honored guests: President William G. Kelly, First Lady Angie Kelly, and Dr. Lois Wright, Christopher Newport’s very first graduate.
Christy Morton, rector of the Board of Visitors and proud member of the Class of ‘01, explained “the why” of it all to students and family members gathered for the Family Weekend event.
“Tonight, we are privileged to honor two individuals whose leadership, service, and love for Christopher Newport have inspired us all—our president and first lady. ‘Why tonight? Why this ceremony?’ you might ask. Well, historically, students receive their rings in their junior or senior years of college, and since the Kellys are in their third year now, they are in their ‘junior’ year here at Christopher Newport University. They wanted to share in the magic of this ceremony, to wear these iconic rings, and to embrace this tradition that unites us,” said Rector Morton. “President William G. Kelly, First Lady Angie Kelly—may these rings be a reminder of the lives you've touched and those you will impact; the traditions you've upheld and those yet to come; and the legacy you continue to shape with vision, grace, and heart today and in the future.”
In a moment that further linked the University’s present to its past, Wright ‘62 was welcomed to the stage to present the rings to President and Mrs. Kelly. Dr. Wright became the first (and only) graduate of Christopher Newport in its first year, having transferred to the newly opened Christopher Newport College (CNC) as a sophomore.
President Kelly reflected on the history and symbolism connected to rings.
“I wear my Coast Guard Academy ring every day as a reminder of where I came from and the values I have committed to living. Our class motto was ‘No Fairer Duty’ and that is inscribed on the side of my ring as a reminder that there is no fairer duty than service to others and to our nation. Now, my Coast Guard ring doesn’t shine alone – it has company from my Christopher Newport ring. I have a new ring to wear and couldn’t be prouder,” Kelly said. “Our CNU rings also reflect our values. It tells the world that ‘this is our home and I want the world to know.’ Angie and I are honored to be here with you tonight as you accept this tangible symbol of your commitment to this University and our core values of Honor, Service, Scholarship, and Leadership.”
Receiving class rings is significant to Captains because they serve as a visible reminder after graduation of the commitment to live by the values of Christopher Newport’s community of honor.
“It is a lasting symbol of your time here, a symbol that will remind you that no matter where you roam, you are a Captain for Life. And a symbol to remind you to do what Christopher Newport Captains have been charged to do: live a life of significance,” said Baxter Vendrick, assistant vice president for alumni engagement and advancement.
The shoulders of the ring are engraved with images that celebrate the history, the present, and the future of Christopher Newport. The words “Christopher Newport” are inscribed around the edges of the crest to “serve as a reminder that whether you graduated from CNC in 1962 or Christopher Newport in 2026, we are all Captains for Life,” said Jalil Ahmed-Litz ‘27.
“Stamped with an arbor tool on the inside of the ring, you will find in beautiful script the words: ‘Captain for Life.’ It reminds us that our time here at this magical place has prepared us to take on the world,” said Ahmed-Litz. “A world that needs more Captains to be beacons of light and hope, to take the helm and chart a course of significance. It also reminds us that no matter where we go in this world, Christopher Newport will always be our home.”