Alumni Association

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WMU Ring Tradition

As WMU enters is second century, a new tradition begins: The Official Western Michigan University Ring.

Photo: WMU Ring.

To commemorate the University's centennial, the WMU Alumni Association proudly announces a new tradition as Western begins its second century - a single ring tradition. "The goal of a single ring program is to create a symbol, second only to the diploma, that will immediately identify the individual as a graduate of Western Michigan University," noted Erin Spaulding, BBA '97.

Single-ring programs, where all students and alumni wear a ring with the same design, are not new. Many schools have retained their single ring programs for decades. Other schools abandoned their one-ring program in the 1970s or never had a tradition established. Many colleges and universities, like WMU, had multiple ring designs offered by multiple vendors. Thus, the "tradition" was taken out of the class ring and the rings became no more than simply pieces of customized jewelry.

The WMU Alumni Association is introducing a single ring tradition to provide students and alumni with a true symbol of the university. With the purchase of an official ring, graduates will be investing in a lifelong tradition with their classmates as well as those who came before them. The official WMU ring reflects more than a graduate's individuality - it symbolizes Western Michigan University.

View The Ring

The Official Western Michigan University Ring is available in 10K, 14K, or 18K solid yellow or white gold with or without an onyx stone. The inside of the ring may be personalized by engraving the owner's name or initials, degree and class year, up to 18 characters. An optional side engraving with degree and class year is also available on all rings.

The Ring Ceremony

The 2005 Official Ring Ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 29 at the WMU Fetzer Center. Our newest recipients were joined at the ceremony by family and friends. Prior to presenting each of the rings, WMU President Dr. Judi Bailey spoke at the event on the tradition, pride and loyalty to Western that the ring symbolizes. A reception preceded the formal presentation of the rings, and the ceremony concluded with the singing of the University's Alma Mater by SLAB, the Association-sponsored men's vocal ensemble.

Already own a Western Michigan ring?

Students and alumni who already own a customized Western Michigan ring from any ring manufacturer have the opportunity to return it to Balfour to recast into the official ring for a nominal charge.

To trade in a ring, call (866) BALFOUR.
To order a ring, call (866) BALFOUR.

Meaning of the Ring

A Century of Meaning

Each gold ring symbolically captures the uniqueness of Western Michigan University. The top of the ring features the seal surrounded by Western Michigan University.

The Five Stars

The five stars symbolize the main academic units in place when WMU gained university status, the schools of Applied Arts Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Graduate Studies.

The Tree

The tree symbolizes WMU’s continuing growth while its roots acknowledge the institution’s firm planting when created by the Michigan Legislature in 1903.

The Stone Arch

The stone arch signifies a gateway to knowledge as well as solid growth. The missing keystone indicates that the University’s growth is incomplete, with much more remaining to be accomplished and discovered.

The Pyramid

The pyramid, also symbolizing the building of knowledge, features a flame at its apex to signify enlightenment—WMU’s true purpose.

Juniors and seniors wear the ring with the school name facing them. Upon the granting of degrees at Commencement, graduates turn the ring around, with the name facing outward. This symbolizes that the graduate is now ready to face the world.

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