The Kall family at Jacqueline's Ring Day celebration. |
Image: Courtesy of Yvonne Kall.
For the Kall family, the 2020 Aggie Ring Day was special in more ways than one. Though scheduled to be Jacqueline Kall’s ring day, she and her family decided to surprise her dad, Larry, with his very own Aggie ring that he never got during his time at Texas A&M University.
Larry graduated from Texas A&M in 1988 with a degree in civil engineering. He was initially inspired to attend Texas A&M by his father and the school’s reputable engineering program.
Similarly, Larry’s daughter Jacqueline was interested in Texas A&M through her father’s association as well as the College of Engineering’s reputation and the tradition of the university. Jacqueline’s mom Yvonne said, “Jacqueline is most like her dad; they both have an engineering mind and I know he had a lot to do with her choosing Texas A&M for school and followed in his footsteps.” However, Jacqueline decided to study industrial and systems engineering instead of civil engineering like her father.
“I chose industrial and systems engineering because I knew it was broad but could still be applied in the aviation industry,” she said. After graduation, Jacqueline hopes to follow her passions in the aviation industry. “Whether that’s flying or working as an engineer, I hope my Aggie ring can remind me of the values I hold and help me connect to those in the Aggie network.”
While Larry was at Texas A&M, he recalls not quite understanding the tradition of the Aggie ring and didn't pursue ordering one. However, as he grew older he realized the importance of the ring and its symbolism. “Over the years it was evident that there was a strong former student tradition as people always asked to see the ring that I never got,” he said.
Larry graduated from Texas A&M in 1988 with a degree in civil engineering. He was initially inspired to attend Texas A&M by his father and the school’s reputable engineering program.
Similarly, Larry’s daughter Jacqueline was interested in Texas A&M through her father’s association as well as the College of Engineering’s reputation and the tradition of the university. Jacqueline’s mom Yvonne said, “Jacqueline is most like her dad; they both have an engineering mind and I know he had a lot to do with her choosing Texas A&M for school and followed in his footsteps.” However, Jacqueline decided to study industrial and systems engineering instead of civil engineering like her father.
“I chose industrial and systems engineering because I knew it was broad but could still be applied in the aviation industry,” she said. After graduation, Jacqueline hopes to follow her passions in the aviation industry. “Whether that’s flying or working as an engineer, I hope my Aggie ring can remind me of the values I hold and help me connect to those in the Aggie network.”
While Larry was at Texas A&M, he recalls not quite understanding the tradition of the Aggie ring and didn't pursue ordering one. However, as he grew older he realized the importance of the ring and its symbolism. “Over the years it was evident that there was a strong former student tradition as people always asked to see the ring that I never got,” he said.
Jacqueline Kall and her dad, Larry Kall with their new Aggie rings. |
Image: Courtesy of Yvonne Kall.
When Jacqueline’s ring day finally came, she felt as though she couldn't receive her ring from her father without him having his own. “My dad is such a proud Aggie who gives love and support for everything A&M as well as represents everything an Aggie is, so it was fitting for him to finally get his Aggie gold!”
Jacqueline and her family presented Larry with his Aggie ring while they were all gathered not only for Jacqueline and her cousin Nathaniel’s ring day, but also to celebrate Larry’s birthday.
“I was extremely surprised! Family and friends gathered outside the Cavalry Hotel to have birthday cake and sing happy birthday,” Larry said. “Afterward, my daughter started to say nice things about me, I thought for my birthday, but she started making all these references to my time as an Aggie and how well I represented the Aggie spirit, etc., before handing me my brand new Aggie ring! I was thrilled to get it but even more honored to get my ring with her. Who knew that 32 years later I would have a daughter getting an Aggie ring and she would present me with one too!”
For both Jacqueline and Larry, this was a day they would never forget and shows just how strong the Aggie family is. “This was a really proud father moment and I am glad I unknowingly had the patience to wait for such a memorable event,” Larry said.
Yvonne, who helped orchestrate the surprise, is extremely proud of her family. “Since the first day I met Larry, I knew he was an Aggie,” she said. “I know he had to pay his way through school and when he graduated he concentrated on paying for his education. He is very humble and kind and always thinks of others first. As the years went by, I realized he would have never bought himself anything. I knew one day I wanted to purchase his ring for him but when Jacqueline was ordering her ring, I knew then it was the right time for them to share this special ring day together.”
Larry and Yvonne also have two sons who attend Texas Christian University. The couple is proud of all of their children and are thankful that their entire family got to experience this unforgettable day during these challenging times.
Jacqueline and her family presented Larry with his Aggie ring while they were all gathered not only for Jacqueline and her cousin Nathaniel’s ring day, but also to celebrate Larry’s birthday.
“I was extremely surprised! Family and friends gathered outside the Cavalry Hotel to have birthday cake and sing happy birthday,” Larry said. “Afterward, my daughter started to say nice things about me, I thought for my birthday, but she started making all these references to my time as an Aggie and how well I represented the Aggie spirit, etc., before handing me my brand new Aggie ring! I was thrilled to get it but even more honored to get my ring with her. Who knew that 32 years later I would have a daughter getting an Aggie ring and she would present me with one too!”
For both Jacqueline and Larry, this was a day they would never forget and shows just how strong the Aggie family is. “This was a really proud father moment and I am glad I unknowingly had the patience to wait for such a memorable event,” Larry said.
Yvonne, who helped orchestrate the surprise, is extremely proud of her family. “Since the first day I met Larry, I knew he was an Aggie,” she said. “I know he had to pay his way through school and when he graduated he concentrated on paying for his education. He is very humble and kind and always thinks of others first. As the years went by, I realized he would have never bought himself anything. I knew one day I wanted to purchase his ring for him but when Jacqueline was ordering her ring, I knew then it was the right time for them to share this special ring day together.”
Larry and Yvonne also have two sons who attend Texas Christian University. The couple is proud of all of their children and are thankful that their entire family got to experience this unforgettable day during these challenging times.
From the Office of Alumni Relations
The Texas A&M College of Engineering loves to share stories about our former students. If you know an Aggie who is celebrating an accomplishment and would like them to be recognized by the college, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations. In addition, if you are like the Kall family and have multiple generations of Aggie engineers in your family, we’d love to hear your story!