Alumni Association releases annual Christmas ornament
Troy University’s annual alumni ornament will commemorate the Trojans’ historic run to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, continuing a tradition that has recognized university milestones since 1999.
The Troy University Alumni Association’s latest ornament celebrates the baseball team’s first trip to Omaha, where the Trojans also secured a win. The season saw Troy ranked sixth in the nation, making the achievement a memorable moment for the university and its alumni.
Faith Byrd, alumni director, said the ornament tradition began as a way to give graduates something meaningful to collect while celebrating the university’s accomplishments.
“I became the alumni director in 1997, and as a new alumni director, I wanted to find a way to celebrate and have our alums have something to look forward to each year,” Byrd said. “Some people have purchased these since day one. Some of them even have a Troy tree at their house.”
The association has partnered with Beacon Designs to create the ornaments since the tradition began. Each ornament comes with a card explaining the history behind its design and the university achievement it represents.
This year’s card details the Trojans’ baseball season, including their national ranking, first appearance in Omaha and victory in the College World Series.
The ornament also carries significance for the university’s athletic leadership. Byrd said baseball coach Skylar Meade and athletic director Kyle George were presented with the ornament and were moved by the recognition.
“We presented the ornament to Skylar Meade, our baseball coach, and Kyle George, our athletic director, and they said that they were just blown away,” Byrd said. “It definitely meant something to them.”
Beyond preserving university history, the annual ornament supports the Alumni Association’s scholarship efforts. A portion of each purchase goes toward scholarships for current students.
“One of our top missions here at the alumni association is to provide scholarships for our students, and this helps us reach our goal,” Byrd said.
For longtime collectors, the ornaments have become a way to display their connection to Troy and remember the university’s achievements. Byrd said this year’s design holds particular meaning for sports fans.
“Every ornament is special to someone,” Byrd said. “If you’re a sports fan like I am, this year is very special. When people hang this on their tree, I hope people are proud of everything this school has accomplished over the years.”
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