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The Dr. T. Marshall Hahn, Jr
Ring Collection
Dr. T. Marshall Hahn, JR was born on December 2, 1926 in Kentucky. At age 18 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics with honors from the University of Kentucky. In 1950, by the age of twenty-three, he had earned his Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and had served two years in the Navy. In 1954 Dr. Hahn came to Virginia Tech to serve as head of the physics department. Five years later he became the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University. In July of 1962, at the age of 35, Dr. Hahn came back to Virginia Tech as President.
While here at Virginia Tech Dr. Hahn served his presidency with extreme success. Under his watch the Corps of Cadets became voluntary, the student body was greatly strengthened and diversified through the inclusion of women and minorities, and the curriculum was expanded on both a graduate and undergraduate level. Most importantly, Dr. Hahn initiated Virginia Tech’s transformation into a nationally recognized research institution and land grant university.
Dr. Hahn is responsible for the name “Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University” and worked diligently to make the school a “multi-purpose state university” which catered to the needs of the majority of the students in Virginia. His dedication to the students was outstanding. Recently, while speaking of the students at Virginia Tech, Dr. Hahn said, “I’ve never seen a finer student body. They’re motivated; they’re mature; they’re energetic; and, of course, they’re enthusiastic Hokies.” By the time Dr. Hahn retired from Virginia Tech after thirteen years of service, the student body had more than tripled and dozens of buildings had been erected around campus. His mark on the students, faculty, and programs at the university can best be measured by the prestige and success of Virginia Tech today.
Dr. Hahn went on to become CEO of Georgia Pacific. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding leadership, business practice, and citizenship. Dr. Hahn currently resides minutes from Blacksburg with his wife Peggy. They enjoy gardening, hunting, boating, and visiting with their grandchildren.
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The Peggy Hahn
Commemorative Ring |
Beginning with the Class of 1930, the miniature ring was first designed for Cadets to present to their dates attending the annual Ring Dance. The miniature ring was merely a modified traditional ring and was considered a treasured symbol of any committed relationship. This tradition continued for many years until the increased enrollment of women following World War II caused the evolution of the miniature ring into the women’s traditional ring.
Now at the beginning of a new millennium, the Class of 2003 Peggy Hahn Commemorative Ring has been designed as a piece intended to recapture this unique tradition. In honor of Peggy Hahn’s many contributions to Virginia Tech, the 2003 Commemorative Ring has been dedicated in her name. It is the perfect way to embrace one of the many facets of the class ring tradition while expressing an endearing appreciation for that special someone.
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