On Saturday, more than 100 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) students filed into the historic Harvey Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music to become the 104th group to receive the iconic SMWC Woods Ring.
A single ceremony was held at 1 p.m. with the theme of “Adventure Awaits: The World Needs What You Bring.” Students waited on stage to hear their names called and step forward as SMWC President Brennan Randolph presented their rings or ring top pendants.
For the 106 students who received a ring this year, it is the symbol of academic achievement as they become part of a more than a century-old tradition at The Woods.
“This is one of the most anticipated days at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College,” Randolph said about Ring Day. “This ring connects our students and graduates to each other and to this place, and today you are one step closer to the ultimate goal of earning your degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.”
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.
Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, ’74, general superior of the Sisters of Providence, gave the reflection address.
“People will notice (the ring) in the airport, grocery store. If they have one of these rings themselves, it will connect you to them. Belonging to something makes all the difference in the world,” Tomaszewski said. “Where will your ring lead you? What adventure awaits you? I hope you have confidence in a God that loves you. Most of all, I hope you believe you have a light. That you are the light that must shine before all. The wonderful thing about light is that when it’s shared, it gives light to all.” Ring recipients, do not be afraid of your own light. You earned this ring that cannot be hidden. Let it shine for all to see. Go for it. Be the light.”
Ariella Engle couldn’t wait to receive the legacy ring from her family friend, Tracy Martin Thomas ’75, ’16.
“(Thomas) has become like a second grandma to me, and I was so blessed and beyond grateful to be given her ring to wear,” said Engle, a junior elementary education major from Brazil, Ind. “My mom was a Woodsie, and as soon as I got accepted, I couldn’t wait to have a ring like hers. I remember always wanting to try hers on when I was little. Now having one just like hers is truly my younger self’s dream come true.”
Bentley Myer, a junior nursing major from Cincinnati, Ohio, said he’s proud to be part of one of the most cherished traditions at SMWC.
“This ring marks a great milestone in my educational journey at SMWC,” he said. “I’ve earned this ring, and I am so excited to have it on my finger and be even more connected to this place forever.”
Dylan McGrath, who received a ring scholarship, was grateful to be able to participate in one of the campus’s most celebratory days.
“This ceremony is an important milestone in my college journey,” said McGrath, a junior digital marketing major from Casey, Ill. “I am one step closer to my ultimate goal of commencement, and this serves as a reminder of the hard work and growth that have brought me to this point.”
Robert Miller, of Terre Haute, Ind., was honored to receive a legacy ring from a graduate of the Class of 1961.
“Knowing that someone chose to give back in this way speaks to the generosity and faith-filled spirit of The Woods, and it is humbling to now be part of that tradition,” Miller said. “This ring represents far more than an academic milestone—it symbolizes perseverance, faith and service. As I am preparing to graduate this May with my Master of Science in Nursing in the Nurse Practitioner program, I reflect on both the academic challenges and personal trials, including my recent cancer remission, that have shaped my journey. My faith has been central through it all, and this ring serves as a reminder of God’s provision and purpose in my life. It also represents a deep respect for those who came before me. The decision of an alumna to return her ring so that it could continue to inspire another student reflects a selfless, giving spirit that I hope to carry forward in my own life and practice.”
Senior Madison Mahady is the fifth person in her family to earn a Woods Ring.
“My great aunt, Penny, was the first, then my mother, Sarah, was the second, my aunt, Amanda, was the third, and my cousin, Emma, was the fourth,” said Mahady, a biology major from West Terre Haute, Ind. “It’s sort of a rite of passage and showing how all of my hard work has led me to a major accomplishment.”
Michael King embarked on his own journey in the Ph.D. in Global Leadership program after watching his mother, father and sisters complete their journeys at SMWC. Now, he fully understands the meaning of the special day.
“Through (my family), I came to understand Ring Day as a celebration of the commitment made thus far, and an ongoing promise to complete the journey. I knew I wanted to celebrate this milestone with my family around me,” said King, a native of Brazil, Ind., now living in Pittsburgh, Pa. “My Ph.D. journey has felt unique to me compared to my other education chapters. I have worked on this program while navigating career changes and life transitions, and while moving between cities. It has encouraged me to travel, broaden my perspective and keep learning. I am committed and resolved to complete my Ph.D. in the spring of 2027.”
After the ceremony, recipients presented flowers to family members or friends in attendance to express their appreciation for support throughout their student journeys.
“From the moment I first heard about the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods ring three years ago, I knew I wanted to wear one someday. I could envision myself as the newest member of a long line of strong women who set out to achieve their goals and make an impact in their community,” said Elizabeth Ward, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., a legacy ring recipient in her last semester of the Master of Arts in Art Therapy program. “As an artist and future art therapist, my personal ethos has always been to find value in those things and people that have been set aside or seen as no longer important. I see the Legacy Ring as something similar. It could have been set aside and forgotten, but instead it has been selected to be cherished and passed on to the next person. To know that I will have a piece of the previous generation with me is such a privilege. I am honored to carry The Woods with me as I start this next phase of my journey.”
To view photos and the livestreamed video from the ceremony, visit: