The SHSU Alumni Association hosted the official ribbon-cutting of the Jim P. Ferris Family Ring Plaza on Thursday.

The ceremony signified the completion of a project that had been in talks for many years, and can now finally be viewed in its full glory. The plaza is located outside the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.

The ceremony began with a speech from SHSU President Dr. Alisa White, in which she highlighted the significance both the ring and the plaza will have on current, prospective and future students for years to come.

“This is not just a ring, this a meeting space, this is a convening space, this is a photo space, this is a space where people will come to after commencements,” White said during her speech. “We’re going to have an awesome record of generations of Bearkats getting those diplomas and then coming out here for pictures.”

Ending the ceremony was a speech from the namesake of the new plaza, James “Jim” Paul Ferris. He received his Bachelor of Arts in teaching from SHSU in 1969. During his time at Sam Houston State, he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, head cheerleader and senior class president. Ferris was named a distinguished alumnus in 2011, and in 2024, was recognized by the Department of Engineering and Technology on its wall of honor. He is also a life-endowed member of the SHSU Alumni Association.

The Ferris family joined together with members of the Alumni Association to cut the ribbon.

“Every door that I have knocked on, Sam Houston has opened that door for me,” Ferris said during his speech. “I want to thank Sam Houston. It has been a wonderful ride, and you were the vehicle. I know that I could never repay you for what you have done for me.”