Countdown to X-Ring - What to Expect

With November, the countdown to the much anticipated X-Ring Ceremony has started. The Ceremony takes place every year on December 3 and it is a tradition loved by the entire Xaverian community. It is celebrated as a traditional rite of passage for Xaverians that are moving into their next chapter of life. This year's ceremony brings many challenges as the StFX community fights the coronavirus pandemic. I sat down with Shanna Hopkins, Director of Alumni Affairs and Murray Kyte, Vice President of Advancement, to talk about what we can expect from this year's ceremony. The two had to introduce a number of changes this year to ensure everyone's safety, but ultimately these changes allow for us to keep the ceremony in person.

Murray explained that it was agreed that if the ceremony can be done safely it must happen as it is so important to the University and students. The plan for this year's ceremony is very indefinite, and new challenges may result in some changes to the ceremony. Hopkins also said that the plan was not concrete, she explained, “The plan is very fluid, and nothing is finalized.”

Both Murray and Hopkins are Xaverians themselves and understand the importance of the X-Ring and although there will be many changes, both are working very hard to ensure that the event can be the best it can be, while being as safe as possible. Hopkins explained, “It’s something that both Murray and I are very passionate about, as we are both Xaverians. We want to ensure there’s a way that we can safely and successfully host this event.”

Some may wonder why the X-Ring ceremony will be in-person, while the Fall Convocation will be virtual. It is important to understand it has nothing to do with priority, but simply risk management. Many graduates that will be a part of Fall Convocation are not currently located in Antigonish and are outside of the Atlantic bubble, while majority of the students that will be participating in the X-Ring Ceremony are currently residing within Antigonish, making it much more possible to have an in-person X-Ring Ceremony.

There is much thought going into planning the ceremony in order to ensure that everyone stays safe. As of now, the ceremony will have a very similar layout as the Xaverian Welcome but the major difference will be that while during the Xaverian welcome, students were spread out all across campus in different buildings, for the X-Ring Ceremony, they will be spread out within the Keating Centre. Students can expect to be placed in Coach K Court, The Auxiliary Gym, Conference Centre Rooms, and even the Auxiliary Rink.

The ceremony's traditional order will be flipped around, and the last part of the event will be receiving the ring. Within tradition, students will still get to receive their rings in the main Keating Centre, just in groups, at different times. Other changes from the past X-Ring ceremonies include mandatory masks, reduced stage party, and a limited number of guests and faculty. Students will also not be allowed to take group photographs after the ceremony. It is also encouraged that family and friends are not invited to StFX or Antigonish to ensure the community stays safe. Additionally, it will be a requirement to RSVP in order to attend as exact numbers are needed to successfully plan this event.

During the ceremony, students can expect to be socially distanced and to walk single file when going to receive their rings and during the lighting of the candles. It has also been announced that the Honorable Frank McKenna will be addressing the students during the ceremony.

Hopkins and Murray are working closely with Frank McKenna and his team to ensure he can attend the ceremony and are very hopeful he will get to speak in person as he is currently within the Atlantic bubble. Ultimately, it is essential for the StFX community to understand the importance of continuing to follow public health safety guidelines to ensure the community stays safe from the virus. StFX is in a very special position in that we can still have these types of events. Murray stressed, “A message I would give to the students would be to carry on with staying safe, keep wearing a mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands, keep doing all the things everyone’s been doing because it has allowed us to do things that nobody else in the country can do.” It is critical that we as a community continue to do what we have been doing in order for us to have this year’s ceremony.”

Meanwhile, as the organizers continue to think, plan and have many discussions with Public Health authorities, the StFX community continues to work together and follow safe practices to ensure the event can be held smoothly. Despite the many challenges faced when planning this special event, Shanna and Murray have been working very hard and understand the significance the X-Ring holds to students. Murray concluded by saying, “I’ve gotten a ring, Shanna’s gotten a ring, it is a unique, shared bond between all Xaverians around the world. Many try to replicate us, but they can’t, there is only one X Ring!”

Murray’s words hold true, despite the challenges we face as a community, we need to acknowledge how lucky we, as Xaverians, are to be able to still gather as a community and share the unforgettable experience of receiving the famous X-Ring that connects us all forever, symbolizes our hard work, friendships, and our one of a kind StFX experience.