Ring Dinner 2026

Every fall, Meredith College’s Junior class receives their class ring, the onyx, during a special ceremony that has come to be a defining moment in every student’s time at Meredith. The Meredith College class ring serves as a reminder of the bond that exists between all alumnae and the sisterhood that expands throughout generations. 

Year after year, since 1954, the women of Meredith have worn the onyx ring to forever share a piece of their college experience. For all the women of the past, and for all the women of the future, Meredith’s class ring commemorates something much bigger than just the self. It commemorates the memories, the friendships and the community that Meredith College has given. 

On Oct. 9, 2026, this year’s Junior class gathered at The Fairview in Raleigh to celebrate Ring Dinner. The ceremony featured photo-ops for students, dinner, and the opportunity to hear from several speakers, including the Class of 2028 Ring Dinner Co-Chairs, Caroline Holt and Olivia Van Duinen. “Seeing the vision we had back in May finally come to life was the best feeling,” said Holt. “From an event-planning standpoint, it was really special to help plan a tradition that brings together students, faculty, and the larger Meredith community,” said Van Duinen.

Additionally, students got to hear from Dr. Jean Jackson, ‘75, and Meredith College President Aimee Sapp, who received her very own onyx ring to commemorate her “junior” year serving and leading the college. The ceremony eventually concluded with the presentation of the onyx ring to each Junior student. 

“To me, the onyx means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Ella Sabroski, ‘28. “It means knowing that no matter where I go in the world, I will have a piece of Meredith with me.” 

Leading up to Ring Dinner was Ring Week, a week set apart to celebrate Meredith’s Junior class and excite the student body for Friday night’s dinner. “Ring Week has been such a fun way to build excitement leading up to Ring Dinner because it gives us a chance to celebrate the different traditions our class has experienced throughout our time at Meredith,” said Van Duinen.

Each day of Ring Week, students are given a ring to wear that represents their class. From daisies to a pair of angel wings, each ring is special and unique to the class wearing it. This year, the juniors were given a ring with an apple on it, a nod to the theme of this year’s Big-Little Program. 

“From picking up our onyxes on Monday to Corn practices throughout the week, there was just so much excitement amongst everyone,” said Holt.  

The onyx ring is initially worn with the college seal facing inward and towards the student. Upon graduation, students turn the seal outward to face the rest of the world, symbolic of the graduating class taking their next steps. 

The Office of Alumnae Relations facilitates the class ring program and sales. They can be contacted through email at alumnae@meredith.edu.