Skip to main content

​​Official SHSU Ring Tradition​

​​The SHSU Ring Program honors Bearkat pride, tradition, celebrates students' academic achievement and connects them to an important piece of rich Sam Houston history.
Students at the ring ceremony posing with rings
Image of the Extended Ring Collection
Sam Houston, we have an expansion! Available for order starting January 5th for the Spring Ring Ceremony.

UPCOMING RING ORDERING DATES

**All Ring Ordering events are for the Spring Ring Ceremony, deadline to order is Friday, March 6th**

  • JANUARY DATES

    ​Monday, Jan. 26th | 11 AM - 7 PM
    The Woodlands Campus, Rm 430

    Tuesday, Jan. 27th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

     

    Wednesday, Jan. 28th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

    Thursday, Jan. 29th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

    Friday, Jan. 30th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

  • FEBRUARY DATES

    ​Monday, Feb. 16th | 11 AM - 7 PM
    The Woodlands Campus, Rm 430

    Tuesday, Feb. 17th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

     

    Wednesday, Feb. 18th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

    Thursday, Feb. 19th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

    Friday, Feb. 20th | 9 AM - 5 PM
    Lowman Student Center, Rm 320

SHSU Students posing with the official ring

SAVE THE DATE-SPRING RING CEREMONY

Spring Ring Ceremony will be held on May 1st:
(A-L) 10 AM (M-Z) 3 PM

Ring Ceremony FAQ

Frequent questions answered about the Ring Ceremony.

Can I switch from the Traditional Ring to one of the new ring designs?

  • Yes you can! You may trade in your current SHSU Ring for a different style or metal. A labor fee of $100, plus shipping and handling is required. If the new ring costs more, based on metal selection, stone choice, etc., you will be charged for the difference.  
  • To begin the process, please call Jostens Customer Service - they will verify any cost differences, place the new order, and inform you on the next steps.

If I purchase one of the new ring designs, am I eligible to participate in the Ring Ceremony? 

  • Yes, students who purchase any of the Official SHSU Rings, from Jostens the official SHSU ring provider, are eligible to participate in the SHSU Ring Ceremony.

When and Where Can I Order My SHSU Ring In-Person?

Jostens visits campus for Ring Ordering sessions during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms (6 weeks total). Check for upcoming Ring Ordering dates on the official SHSU Ring website.

Why Can’t I Use a Different Ring Provider?

The university name and logos are protected by federally registered trademarks. Jostens maintains the exclusive right to use the university’s name and/or marks in the design of a class ring. Therefore, we cannot approve an exception for logos/marks to be used by another jeweler. The benefits of adopting an official class ring provider are as follows:

  • Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has a trademarked agreement with Jostens. This ensures the official designs are consistently used. The SHSU class rings feature
  • Each ring is symbolic of Sam Houston State University, and their designs are approved by a committee of students, faculty, staff and administration.
  • All official SHSU rings are inscribed with the word “HONOR” symbolic of the ring that Sam Houston’s mother gave him when we went off to battle.
  • The official rings spend the night in Sam Houston’s home on the eve of each ring ceremony.

How do I know which ring fits me?

  • Attend the Ring Ordering days in person for ring sizing and to explore all available designs.
  • You can also visit the SHSU Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving, where Jostens has some rings on display.

How Many Credit Hours Do I Need to Complete to Order a Ring and Participate in the Ring Ceremony?

  • You need a minimum of 75 credit hours to be eligible for ordering and participating in the ceremony.
    • Note: Master’s and Doctoral students can order their rings at any time.

Can I Attend Ring Ordering Days Even if I Don’t Qualify?

  • Yes, you are welcome to attend and get sized for your ring or browse the available ring types and prices to prepare for future ordering.

Can I Order My Ring If I Missed the Ring Ordering Deadline or Purchased During an Off Period?

  • Yes, you can order your ring online at Jostens.com anytime. However, to participate in the Ring Ceremony for that semester, your ring must be ordered before the official deadline. Rings ordered after the deadline will be included in the following semester’s ceremony. If you cannot attend the ceremony, your ring will be mailed after the event.

Can I Customize My Class Ring?

  • Yes! Jostens offers a range of customization options, including different designs, stone colors, metal types, and engravings. You can view these options during the Ring Ordering days or online at Jostens.com.

How Much Are the Rings?

  • Prices vary based on the customization options and price of metal. For detailed pricing information, visit Jostens.com or consult Jostens representatives during Ring Ordering days.

What Should I Do If I Have an Issue with My Ring (Resizing, Stone Fell Out, etc.)?

  • Contact Jostens for instructions on how to send your ring to the factory for repairs. For warranty and repair information, visit the Jostens warranty page.

You can predesign rings online and save the design.
Order Online

  • Allows you to compare prices, share the link, and ease of ordering day of.

Benefits of Attending In-Person Ring Ordering Sessions

  • Personal Assistance: Meet with Jostens representatives in person for detailed assistance.
  • Get Sized: Ensure you select the perfect fit for your class ring.
  • Explore Options: View the various designs and customization options available for your ring.
  • Discounts: Jostens provides a discount for ordering in person on designated days

The Story Behind Honor

This tradition traces back to a pivotal moment in Sam Houston's life. In 1813, when he joined the U.S. Army, his mother, Elizabeth Houston, handed him a musket and said, "Never disgrace it, for I had rather all my sons should fill one honorable grave than one of them should turn his back to save his life." She placed a small gold band on Sam's finger, engraved with the word "HONOR." Today, when you wear your ring, you carry forward this sacred commitment. This ring honors your own journey, the late nights you persevered, the personal battles you've overcome, and the resilience you've shown when giving up seemed easier. It honors your family's sacrifices, the dreams they set aside so yours could flourish. Whether you become a teacher, engineer or healthcare worker, this ring reminds you that your profession is not just a job - it's a calling to serve with integrity. This word, "Honor," serves as a reminder to all Bearkats that true honor is rooted in service to the community. SHSU's motto, "The measure of a Life is its Service,” encompasses honoring yourself, your journey, and those who believed in you and this is reflected in the Official Ring.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

The first Official Ring ceremony took place in the spring of 2004, with the word “Honor” being inscribed inside each ring starting in 2007. By 2014, a new tradition was established, where the rings were placed overnight at the home of General Sam Houston on the eve of the ceremony. Each ring now carries the word “Honor” as a symbol of a deeper commitment to the values that have shaped this institution. 

Ring Ceremony
Enjoy the tradition of the Sam Houston State Ring Ceremony.

Connect With Us!

Office Location

Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
John R. Ragsdale Alumni Center
1605 Sam Houston Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340

Phone & Email

jmarks@shsu.edu

(936) 294 - 2220

Mailing Address

Box 2022 
Huntsville, TX 77341