Ring Tradition

Future Alumni,

You may be asking yourself: "What is the Ring Tradition all about and why should I participate?" Well, the short answer is, to become part of an experience that is much bigger than you can ever imagine, that extends generations into both the past and future, and that you will never regret. A bold statement, I know, but one that I am confident in making.

I stand behind this statement because Mount St. Mary's University has one of the oldest and most unique Ring Traditions in the country. For almost 100 years, Alum have proudly displayed their rings as an outward symbol of their time at the Mount. The ring, however, is much more than a physical symbol of ones accomplishment of graduating from college or of the great pride one has in his or her education at the Mount. It is a timeless symbol that captures the true essence of Mount St. Mary's for every alum. The ring serves as a looking glass into ones memories; not only those memories made while at Mount St. Mary’s, but also the memories made while wearing this ring during other significant times of one’s life. Memories that we can all agree are nearly impossible to recreate. Whether an alum of the 40's, 60's, 80's, or today, the spirit of the Mount is captured for all of us and one day you too will glance down at the ring you wear when you cross the stage and receive your degree, when you accept your first job, when you propose marriage or are proposed to, or when you wait for your first child to be born. The Mount St. Mary's Ring is so much more than a piece of jewelry, but a life long, prized possession, that all Alum are proud to wear as they look back on their time at the Mount and look ahead to the experiences they have yet to encounter.

The Mount St. Mary's Ring Tradition is storied, unique, and powerful. As an Alum of Mount St. Mary's University I invite you to join in the tradition that connects you, specifically to your classmates, but also to so many Alum that have come before you and will come after you. Please take your time and review the history of the ring, our specific traditions, and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting you all!

Justin Janak
Class of 2007