MSU Army ROTC cadets stand guard over the newest class rings, which will be presented to graduating students and alumni during a Thursday [Dec. 13] ceremony at the Chapel of Memories. MSU has had the same ring design since 1935, when H.F. “Slim” Allen and L.G. Balfour created the official ring of the university. The university will add approximately 1,400 people to its alumni ranks following Friday's commencement ceremonies in Starkville and Meridian, bringing the total number of MSU's living alumni worldwide to approximately 143,000.