Cross Ring
A Symbol of Christ-Centered Education
At the center of an education at Dallas Baptist University, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ reigns supreme. It is so fitting that the original Dallas Baptist University Cross Ring prominently displays the Cross of Christ on its center - reflecting the University mission of providing Christ-centered education through the integration of Biblical faith and academic learning.
The Leaves, the Cross, the Year 1898
The leaves surrounding the Cross of Christ represent our spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social development as servants of Jesus Christ. Emblazoned around the top of the ring is the name of our beloved Dallas Baptist University. Anchoring the University name is the date 1898, the founding year of our forerunner Decatur Baptist College. The year 1898 reminds us of our historical roots as the first two-year college in Texas and even more importantly, our Baptist heritage and God’s calling to continue this legacy.
The Jesus "Fishers of Men" Statue
On one shank of the Official DBU Cross Ring, the Jesus "Fishers of Men" Statue inspires us to ponder the ever-present question posed by Jesus to His disciples, "Will you follow Me?" As students, faculty, staff, and guests exit the campus, we are always reminded of our Christian calling to walk with Jesus and follow His example of servant leadership.
The Great Commission and The Great Commission Globe Sculpture
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, expresses the prevalent theme of evangelism at DBU; "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This familiar Scripture passage is the inspiration for the Great Commission Globe near the John G. Mahler Student Center. Not only does the globe focus on Jesus’ command to reach the world in His name, it also represents the impact DBU has on the world through the many international students who have come to DBU. Graduates now live and serve on virtually every continent around the world.
DBU's influence reaches the entire globe through our graduates as well as the numerous mission projects in which students, faculty, and staff participate. The words of the University hymn, "To God be the Glory," which is sung at the University’s commencement and convocation services are engraved on the Bible of the Great Commission Globe Sculpture, reminding us of God’s faithfulness to each of us individually and to Dallas Baptist University.
The Theme Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
The University’s theme Scripture verse, Jeremiah 29:11, is engraved in one of the chevrons on the DBU Cross Ring. This verse has significant meaning to the University family, providing all of us a genuine peace to know that God is in control of our lives and has a hope and future for us in Him. Many have expressed how God has used this verse to confirm their calling to DBU.
The Fishers of Men
An additional symbol of our calling to be fishers of men is etched on the palm side of the ring. The texture of the fisher’s net against our skin (or finger) serves to remind us of Jesus’ instruction to spread the Gospel of our Lord and Savior. The fisher’s net is wrapped around the palm side of the ring positioned closest to our heart to remind us of what Jesus called us to do.
The Cupola Tower
Carved on the other side of the DBU Cross Ring is the cupola tower of the John G. Mahler Student Center, the center of university campus life. The clock on the cupola tower stands still at 10:00 a.m. reminding us of the chapel hour when the university family joins together for worship.
On the chevron beneath the cupola tower on the DBU Cross Ring is engraved the name Patriots, the University’s official mascot. To the side of the cupola tower is the Liberty Bell, in which a replica stands in the foyer of the Mahler Student Center. Next to the Mahler Student Center waves the American Flag just as it flies on campus today. The Patriot mascot, Liberty Bell, and Old Glory symbolize the freedom and liberty we enjoy as American citizens.
The Bricks
Paved on the walls of both shanks of the DBU Cross Ring are clay bricks. These bricks replicate the colonial style of architecture adopted by the University and represented among the campus’ present-day buildings.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11
The bricks also serve to remind us of the steps we have taken across the University’s walkways to earn the privilege and honor of becoming a graduate of DBU. At the top of each shank are the class year and degree name. The class year and earned degree are carved on each ring to recognize the journey and culmination of our Christ-centered educational experience at DBU.
How to Wear the DBU Cross Ring
The DBU Cross Ring is to be first worn with Christ’s Cross atop the ring facing toward our hearts until the completion of our DBU education and awarding of earned degrees. Upon degree conferring, graduates turn their ring with Christ’s Cross facing toward the world. This tradition symbolizes our training and calling to take Christ into the world as servant leaders of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Personalization of the Cross Ring
Bearers of the Official DBU Cross Ring may personalize their individual rings by having a Scripture verse engraved on the inside of the ring along with their name. You may opt to emblaze your ring with diamonds or cubic zirconia set atop the cross. Each Official DBU Cross Ring will bear its own registration number. This number will allow the University to identify the owner in the event that the ring is lost and returned to DBU.
A Reminder
As we wear the DBU Cross Ring, we will be consistently reminded of our unique experiences at DBU and the many wonderful university traditions we hold so dear. We pray that as we wear the DBU Cross Ring, it will not only remind us of the Lord’s calling on our lives, but also serve as an instrument to convey the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
