Students spending less, even on graduation gear

Graduation Gear-Up, a gathering of vendors who sell caps, gowns, rings, frames, announcements and other graduation items to graduating seniors, closed Thursday after being open since Monday, and though the number of students who attended the event this year was similar to last year, the amount of money spent is almost certainly less.

The reason many students are spending less on items like rings or announcements is, of course, because of the economy. About 1,750 students attended the event last year, said Kris White, territory sales rep for Jostens, which sells rings and announcements. Through Wednesday, about 1,100 students had come through the event and White said they expected that number to be near last year's total by the end of Thursday.

Still, he said, sales are down. "Rings are a luxury. To spend $400 on a ring is a hard thing to do (these days)," White said.

For students who missed Graduation Gear-Up, don't worry. Caps and gowns can be ordered through the OU Bookstore either by visiting or calling (405) 325-3511. Announcements and rings can be ordered through Jostens.com, and yearbooks can be ordered through OU Student Media either through this Web site or by calling (405) 325-3668.