OA-FALL 2023 MAG-LINKS 1

One Hundred Year Tradition is a Legacy

The Woods Ring is an academic symbol earned by students. To participate, they must purchase their ring which can range from $420 to more than $1,100 for 10K gold. Unfortunately, the expense can sometimes present a barrier to participation. Scholarship opportunities have existed quietly for years. Woods Ring partner, J Lewis Small, a small family-owned ring manufacturer from central Indiana, provides a ring to be awarded annually. Alumni have made gifts to help students with their ring purchase, while others share their love for The Woods by returning their ring to be given to a student who otherwise would not participate in our century-old tradition.

In the fall of 2017, the College created a new process for applying for and selecting recipients of legacy rings and ring scholarships. Students submit applications that are considered by a selection committee. Intentional efforts have been made to share these opportunities with alumni in hopes of growing the legacy ring inventory and available scholarship dollars. Proceeds from last year’s Ring Centennial celebration contributed greatly. As we the Ring Centennial Sculpture is dedicated during Homecoming festivities on October 7, 2023, the impact of alumni giving is inspiring. Since Fall 2017 • 57 Woods Rings have been donated to SMWC for the Legacy Ring program. • 36 Legacy Rings have been awarded to students. • $14,833 has been awarded to students to help defray the cost of a Woods Ring. In recognition of their significant contributions to the century-old tradition, the ring scholarship fund was named the • 44 students have received Woods Ring scholarships. • 18 of those students received fully-funded Woods Rings. Margaret Williams Mead, 1922 and Dorothy Helm Geisel, 1923

Ring Scholarship Fund on September 30, 2022.

For more information about the Legacy Ring program or to make a gift, contact the Office of Advancement at 812-535-5270 or click here to learn more about the program.

Mead worked with Herff Jones Jewelers to create the ring’s base featuring acorns, oak leaves and class year. Geisel is credited with designing the iconic SMW monogram centered on the onyx stone.