On Saturday, 139 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) ring recipients filed into the historic Harvey Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music to become the 103rd group to receive the iconic SMWC ring. The theme for 2025 was Through Every Mile…Together.
Ceremonies were held for the campus students at 10 a.m. and for the Woods Online and graduate students at 1 p.m. As family and friends looked on, recipients sat on the stage, waiting to hear their name called to step forward, then SMWC President Brennan Randolph slipped their ring on their hand. For the recipients, the ring is a symbol of academic achievement, and they become a part of a tradition that began in 1922.
Randolph commented about Ring Day, “I am privileged to be a part of this tradition, and it is rewarding to present this iconic symbol of academic achievement to this outstanding group of students. This is an eternal bond for the student with the College and to all who wear and have worn the ring. To share the joy of this day with them and their loved ones is a blessing.”
Students Margaret Williams Mead, class of 1922, and Dorothy Helm Geisel, class of 1923, designed the ring in 1922. The students partnered with Herff Jones Jewelers to create the perfect ring. It was first given to seniors in 1922, and in 1928, juniors were granted the opportunity to receive a ring. Since the ring was intertwined with academic achievement, students wore caps and gowns to receive their rings and continue to do so to this day.
Beth Herzog Michel ’94, ’09G, vice chair of the board of trustees, gave the reflection address. “I hope that each of you as a ring recipient today feels confident in the academic success which brought you here. Allow this ring to remind you of your connection to The Woods and the connection to the confidence you feel today. Carry that forward with you on your journey; it will serve you well, I promise.” She continued, “As you leave here today with the ring on your hand, remember to be confident that you are learning to think critically. You have it within you to be a leader – however that concept fits within your life. And you have it within you to confidently approach and affect the changes ahead of you. I firmly believe all of this.”
Erin Robertson, an education major who plans to graduate in December, received a family ring on Saturday. Erin’s grandmother, Judi Scheer ’08, retired and moved to the area. Her biggest goal was to graduate from college, and she discovered that the SMWC Women’s External Degree (WED) program offered her the flexibility that she needed. Judi kept telling Erin that she would let her have the ring if she went to The Woods.
Robertson commented, “I was here when she got her ring.” She commented about how it felt to get her grandmother’s ring. “Words don’t even describe how it feels. I have worked so hard for it, my grandmother worked so hard for it, all of us worked so hard for it, and finally to be able to get it is just amazing.”
Delaney McIntyre ’21, who is pursuing her Masters in Leadership Development, said during the afternoon ceremony, “This ring symbolizes pride, friendship, academic achievement and personal growth.”
After the ceremony, recipients presented flowers to family members or friends in attendance to express their appreciation for support during their journey as students.
10 a.m. Ring Ceremony
View photos from the 10 a.m. Ring Ceremony.