Keeping with tradition, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will be adorning juniors with the symbolic onyx ring on Saturday, March 20 on the 99th Ring Day. To allow for physical distancing, the College will host two ceremonies — at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Weather permitting, the ceremonies will be held outside in the Sunken Garden, located in front of Le Fer Hall. In the event of forecasted inclement weather or poor lawn conditions, the ceremonies will be held in the Knoerle Center’s Hamilton Arena. A final decision will be made the week of the ceremonies.
“Receiving your Woods ring is a significant milestone for SMWC students,” said Catherine Saunders ’98, associate vice president for advancement and junior class advisor. “Although Ring Day 2021 may be a little different than recent years, I am thrilled the tradition continues.”
The 1 p.m. ceremony is for campus ring recipients while the 4 p.m. ceremony is for Woods Online and graduate ring recipients. Ring recipients and guests must wear masks while on campus and follow other COVID-19 protocols such as physical distancing.
Both ceremonies will be streamed online.
“Our students have been resilient, patient and flexible throughout a year filled with challenges. Celebrating with them in meaningful and safe ceremonies will be especially rewarding this year,” Saunders said.