lordsofthering1.jpg

Every year, Canadian engineering students graduating from university may choose to take part in a unique tradition called The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer. The ritual is meant to impart a sense of duty and responsibility in the young engineer as they set off on their career.

During the ceremony the engineer receives an Iron Ring. To become a certified engineer does not require you get an Iron Ring. The ring is worn by the engineer as a symbol of the pride and humility they are expected to show their profession. It is a statement by the engineer that they understand the importance of their role in the modern world.

Recently, a friend of mine received his Iron Ring. And, now that he’s almost graduated school as an engineer, he’s doing the only rational thing… going back for a graduate degree. I can only speculate that years of breathing the air in Hamilton have affected Randy’s decision making process.

However, now when Randy returns to Hamilton he can wear his Iron Ring proudly. Actually, it’s made from stainless steel, but engineers are not concerned with details. Next year during frosh, he can polish the ring and awe first years with not only the reflection, but the weight of the symbolism.

Most importantly, the next time Randy goes to Hamilton, he’ll go knowing that after years of poor Go Train service, administration errors at Disaster University and countless hours of lost sleep… he’s finally gotten his precious (you knew I had to eventually mention the lord of the rings).

Either way, congrats Randy.