At Meredith, class ring delivery day is filled with smiles, excitement, and squeals of pure joy as students walk into the Alumnae House.

Delivery Day each year shows the lasting legacy of the Onyx as an outward sign of academic accomplishment. Since 1954, the ring has also symbolized a connection to classmates, the College, and current and future alumnae.

“Like today’s students, I can still remember the excitement I felt when I picked up my ring from the Cate Center in the fall of 1999,” said Director of Alumnae Relations Hilary Allen, ’01, who oversees the ring program. “I love to see our current students filled with excitement over that Onyx ring. I still wear my ring 25 years later with such pride and gratitude. Delivery Day never fails to remind me that our ring program is special and unique.”

In addition to Delivery Day, Ring Week is a tradition that ensures receiving the Onyx continues to be a hallmark of the Meredith student experience. Since it started in 1997, Ring Week has been a bonding experience for each junior class. As part of Delivery Day, the Office of Alumnae Relations provides ring-themed gifts and a package of fun rings for juniors to wear each day of Ring Week.

Students often try on their Onyx rings while not looking at them – but the first time they see it on their hands is at the end of the week at Ring Dinner. This event was first held in 1991. Susan Wray, ’93, recalls that her class wanted to make it a special event, one that would continue for years to come.

“I was nervous that Ring Dinner might not be all that we were hoping for or that something would go wrong. However, our Ring Dinner was lots of fun, celebrating our accomplishments, our sisterhood, and being together as a class. We felt like we had made it, and we all had our Onyx,” said Wray. 

Thirty-three years later, Ring Dinner is still a treasured tradition. While the tradition has grown over the years, the emotions felt at the most recent Ring Dinner were similar to that first event in 1991.

Sadie Gaines, ’26, and Caroline Goodwin, ’26

The 2024 event featured remarks from Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, who has her own Onyx as a member of the Class of 1975, and from guest speaker Lacy Uthe, ’14.

“Dr. Jackson led the Ring Ceremony beautifully, making the moment even more impactful as we experienced it together with our class. We enjoyed every aspect of the evening from seeing the anticipation of all the guests upon arrival to listening to our guest speaker to enjoying the surprise from the Big and Little classes – everything was so wonderful,” said Gaines.

History of the Meredith Ring

Just as Ring Dinner has evolved through the years, so has Meredith’s class ring. The oldest ring in the College Archives features a gold band with the letters MC and 1916. The 1917 ring added a green stone. By 1922, the ring changed to an elongated gold oval with a torch in the center. In 1924, two Meredith art professors designed the first ring to include an onyx. It was in the shape of an octagon, made by Tiffany & Company in New York, and sold for only $15. In 1950, a student committee selected an oval synthetic ruby with a gold band, but soon after art professor Douglas Reynolds led a group including Jean Dula Fletcher, ’53, and Ann Lovell, ’54, in a redesign. The newly designed ring, which was first worn in 1954 and is still worn today, featured an oval black onyx with the Meredith seal engraved in the lower half and oak leaves incised on either a silver or gold band.

The only time the ring has changed since then was for the 1991 Centennial class. The oak leaves were moved slightly to allow space to include the years 1891 and 1991.

Crystal Cheatham Drum, ’91, and her niece, Miller Cheatham Spencer, ’13

Crystal Drum, ’91, a member of that Centennial class, loves that her ring is a little different than other classes.

“Being a member of the Centennial class brought a whole year of celebrations to Meredith College,” Drum said. “Our Cornhuskin’ theme was ‘Wrapping Up a Century’; we were featured on the cover of the Raleigh phone book; and Erma Bombeck was the speaker at our graduation,” said Drum. “There were so many things that were special about being in that class and my ring holds all those celebrations and milestones.”

Making the Tradition Accessible to More Students

Long before the rings are delivered, the Office of Alumnae Relations is hard at work with orders and helping each student who is eligible to receive a ring. Undergraduate students who have completed 60 hours of coursework are eligible to purchase rings. Recognizing that the cost of the rings could be a barrier for some students, the Office of Alumnae Relations has made several adjustments to make participating in this tradition more accessible.

Two changes were establishing a Ring Fund and launching the Legacy Ring Essay Contest. The essay contest provides 20 rings per year to students who may not otherwise be able to afford one. Alumnae have contributed to the Ring Fund, which is also used to provide rings to students. While the number provided through that fund varies from year to year, in 2024, the Office of Alumnae Relations was able to provide 36 rings to current students. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to always ensure that every student who has earned a ring and wishes to have a ring has the opportunity to do so,” said Allen. “We also want as many students as possible to participate in the Ring Dinner, so we contribute to that as well to keep the ticket price to a minimum.”

In addition, the Office of Alumnae Relations started a Loaner Ring Program to support Ring Dinner participation. There are instances when a ring may not have been ordered in time, has yet to be ordered, or may not fit upon delivery. Through the Loaner Ring Program, students can reserve rings from alumnae who have shared their rings for use at Ring Dinner. In the fall of 2024, 23 students used the Loaner Ring Program.

Elizabeth Oates, ’13

“Meredith is a very special place, and these rings are just one of the symbols that connect us all,” Oates said. “And every time I look down at my Onyx on my hand, and my Granny’s around my neck, I will think of her and what Meredith means to both of us.”

Oates still feels passionate about her connection with her grandmother and Meredith.

“I wear the two rings most days of my life. I get asked about my grandmother’s Onyx often and proudly get to tell everyone about my grandmother and my amazing experience at Meredith,” said Oates.

Shannon McFarlane Byers, ’99, says the Meredith class ring is a small object that carries a lot of weight. She is forever grateful to have received the gift of the Onyx from then Professor of English Betty Webb, ’67.

Shannon McFarland Byers, ’99, and Betty Webb, ’67

The way she received her Onyx is a special memory for Byers.

“When I look at the ring now, I remember Dr. Webb but I also see the ring as a symbol of community. The ring reminds me to give of myself and support others around me, no matter where I am – campus, church, workplace, neighborhood, or home. It reminds me of the power of investing in others. The Meredith ring is a small circle of gold and onyx, but to me, it represents people who helped shape me and a desire to serve where I’m planted.”

The Onyx Connects Mothers and Daughters

The Meredith Onyx is a connection many mothers and daughters share. Elaine Jolly Davis, ’84, and Callie Elaine Davis, ’15, say being an Even and an Odd is okay with them. The Meredith Onyx has continuously been a part of their daily wardrobe, and they consider it to be a gift to share this legacy as mother and daughter.

Elaine Jolly Davis, ’84, and Callie Elaine Davis, ’15

“The ring represents a connection to Meredith College and binds all alumnae together in a wonderful sisterhood. Regardless of the graduation year, a ring sighting brings great joy and certainly sparks a conversation that will inevitably include laughter as memories are shared. While our rings have been on different journeys and through different experiences, they symbolize the magic of Meredith College and the alumnae who continue to make it Wonderland. The traditions of Going Strong, seeking excellence, caring for the community, and joining a treasured sisterhood have remained anchors of the Meredith experience. Rather than creating cookie-cutter versions of what a Meredith alumna will look like, Meredith allows each woman to chart her own course and write her own story.” 

Current junior Meredith Mills, ’26, is thrilled to finally have a ring like her mother Leah Mills, ’95, has.

“I remember learning about Meredith College as a young girl from my mom. I absolutely loved her Onyx. I thought it was amazing that all Meredith graduates had matching rings. When I started at Meredith College, I couldn’t wait to get an Onyx of my very own,” Meredith Mills said. “I have worn my Onyx every day since placing it on my finger at Ring Dinner. I love that my mom and I share so many of the same Meredith College memories. We now have matching rings.”

Meredith Mills, ’26, and Leah Mills, ’95

The ring, and the College, are obviously special for Leah Mills, who named her daughter after her alma mater.

“When Meredith was born, I hoped she would choose to attend Meredith College one day. Over the years, I shared with her my scrapbooks, photos, and VHS videos from my four years at Meredith. I explained the traditions – Corn, Stunt, Crook Hunt, Big Sis/Little Sis, and of course Ring Dinner,” said Leah Mills. “I was thrilled when she decided to attend Meredith. As we drove down the front drive toward Johnson Hall on move-in day, I was crying happy tears. I pointed to my Onyx shouting ‘I am home and I am bringing my baby with me!’ Meredith has now found her home at Meredith. I am one proud Meredith mom.”

After Ring Dinner, Meredith students have another ring-related tradition in their futures at commencement. As students, the Meredith Onyx is worn with the seal toward the wearer. At the end of the commencement ceremony, new graduates turn their rings around so that the seal “faces the world” shining her light out to all. This change reinforces the symbolic nature of the Onyx.

“My ring never fails to make me think of my dear Meredith friends, those I met as a student as well as those I have met as a staff member. My Meredith friends are the women who, much like the word LUX, are the light of my life. In a lot of ways, my ring is my compass; it reminds me of what I know, what I value, who I trust, who I love, and ultimately, who I am,” said Hilary Allen.

Statue Commemorates Special Status of the Onyx

The importance of the Onyx to the Meredith community is now commemorated on campus through a new six-foot-tall Onyx statue near the Hillsborough Street entrance. On October 17, 2024, the College dedicated the statue in honor of Jo Allen, ’80, the first alumna to serve as Meredith’s president. Current and former members of the Board of Trustees raised money for this gift, with funding support from Balfour, Meredith’s ring partner. The timing of the dedication was perfect, as Ring Dinner was held the next night. It quickly became a new favorite photo spot as students lined up to have their photos taken before the dinner.

“The ring statue is now one of the first things you see when you drive onto Main Campus Drive, and in the distance behind it, one sees Johnson Hall. It’s iconic,” said Hilary Allen. 

Alumnae from 30 different class years were in attendance at the unveiling, and more alumnae have made a point to stop at the statue when visiting campus.

“I have seen alumnae from class years ranging from the 1970s through the 2020s visit campus to have their photos made with the ring,” said Hilary Allen. “We now have a permanent representation on campus of something that has been treasured by Meredith students and alumnae since its creation in 1953 and since being first worn by the Class of 1954.”

Kate Breen, ’01, Alumnae Board President

Kate Breen, ’01, president of the Alumnae Association Board, was filled with “immense pride and gratitude” to be one of the speakers at the Onyx statue dedication.

“My Meredith Onyx has been my trusty sidekick since graduation. This ring isn’t just a piece of bling; it’s a symbol of all the friendships forged, challenges overcome, and a tangible connection to the past,” said Breen. “I’ve worn it every day since originally placing it on my finger, and it’s become a conversation starter, a badge of honor, and a bridge to the present. Whether I’m meeting fellow alumnae or reminiscing with old friends, my class ring has been a constant reminder of the incredible journey we’ve shared.”

Watch highlights of the Onyx statue dedication.