On Thursday, March 18, 2010, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College distance students of the Woods External Degree (WED) program and the Graduate Studies program will be on campus for their Ring Day Ceremony rehearsal. Before rehearsal, between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., they have been invited by President David G. Behrs to join him in his office to celebrate their achievements.

“We are very proud of our WED and Graduate students and their achievements! Earning the opportunity to wear the SMWC Onyx Ring is very important to all of our students - campus and distance,” said President David G. Behrs. “While our distance and graduate students are on campus for rehearsal, I wanted to invite them to come by my office and to allow me to celebrate with them. Just because they're not on campus, I want them to know they're important to us and we are celebrating with them during this exciting time in their college journey.”

On Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., the annual Ring Day Ceremony will be held at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. During the Ceremony, 106 students will receive the coveted Onyx Ring.

Internationally worn by SMWC graduates, the Ring is visible evidence of the strong traditions of academic excellence and the strong sense of community, which are the roots of SMWC. The Ring, designed in 1922 by students Margaret Williams Mead '22 and Dorothy Helm Geisel '23, was first given in 1922 to seniors.

The oak leaves are symbolic of the knowledge gained at SMWC, the six acorns are symbolic of the founders of SMWC, and the insignia carved in black onyx serves as a reminder that those who wear the gold and onyx are educated women guided by “virtus cum scientia.”