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WMU Ring Tradition

The WMU Alumni Association is proud to present the WMU ring tradition. The goal of the 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.

The WMU Alumni Association maintains a 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 rings reflects more than a graduate's individuality - it symbolizes Western Michigan University.

View The Ring

The Official Western Michigan University Rings are 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.

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.