Legacy Ring Program
The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College ring is an enduring symbol that incorporates our proud traditions with one’s memorable educational experience. The ring is the single most recognizable image of the College and is more than a piece of jewelry. It honors academic success and sacrifice while demonstrating the pride and loyalty shared by all. This distinctive ring is a powerful reminder of personal growth and unforgettable friendships. It represents a tangible bond linking generations of alumni and students to their beloved Woods.
The Legacy Ring program was established so SMWC rings could be passed on to the next generation. The ring is a prized possession of many alumni and there is a desire to ensure it is taken care of when the alum can no longer wear the ring. Each year, students who are interested in receiving a Legacy Ring complete an application. A committee reviews the applications and selects the recipients for the year. A Legacy Ring is then presented to the student during the Ring Day ceremony, which is held each spring on campus in the Church of Immaculate Conception.
Donations can be made two ways:
- Direct Donation – A ring owner, a ring owner’s family member or person who has come into lawful possession of a SMWC ring may donate it to the Alumni Office to be included in the Legacy Ring Program.
- Bequest – A ring owner may bequest their ring to SMWC through their estate plans, ensuring that their family understands their wishes and the ring is donated to the Legacy Ring Program.
By submitting a letter of intent to donate, the College is made aware of a ring owner’s wishes.
Language that may be used for estate planning
From an alumnus or alumna:
I give, devise and bequeath my SMWC ring, if owned by me at the time of my death, to the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, to be used as determined in its sole discretion.
From a relative of an alumnus or alumna:
I give, devise and bequeath the SMWC ring given to me by name of SMWC alumnus or alumna, if owned by me at the time of my death, to the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, to be used as determined in its sole discretion.
Gift Recognition
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Contributing the SMWC ring is a gift of property. As such, it will be processed as a gift-in-kind. Donors will receive an acknowledgment letter stating that a ring was received, but no value shall be included in the letter.
In order to establish the value of the ring, a qualified jewelry appraisal will need to be completed, at the owner’s expense, prior to contributing it to the SMWC Legacy Ring Program. Documentation of the appraisal will enable the SMWC Office of Advancement to attribute a value to the gift of the ring; however, no value will appear in the acknowledgment letter. Questions about the tax deductibility of the gift are a matter to be determined between the donor and his or her tax attorney.
Preparation to send the ring
- Contact the Alumni Office to indicate a ring will be arriving soon. The office can be reached via email at alumni@smwc.edu or via phone at 812-535-5270 or 888-769-0013.
- Completed brief (one page) biography of ring owner – If desired, please include a brief biography of the ring’s owner so it may be presented to the ring recipient. If no biography information is provided, the owner, class year and major while at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, if known, will be provided to the recipient.
Sending the ring
- Ship using confirmed delivery, insured mail through USPS or with UPS to the Alumni Office.
- Rings should be mailed to the following address:
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
PO Box 70
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876
Confirmation
When the Alumni Office receives a donated ring, an email and letter will be sent to verify its receipt.