A Timeless Emblem of St. Mary’s University
The St. Mary’s Rattler Ring stands as a lasting symbol of the university’s rich Marianist heritage, history and beloved traditions. This ring connects students and alumni to the values of the Society of Mary and honors the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Marianist Heritage
The ring’s design incorporates sacred Marianist symbols. Central to this is the intertwined “A” and “M” (“Ave, Maria”), paying homage to the Blessed Mother, surrounded by olive branches symbolizing peace and grace.
Connection to History
The sunburst design, inspired by the Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral in Zaragoza, Spain, represents the Marianist legacy that continues to shape St. Mary’s University. Additional elements, such as St. Louis Hall and the historic Pecan Grove, honor the university’s rich past and its cherished landmarks.
Celebrating Tradition
The Rattler Ring is infused with symbols of university pride, from the Rattler mascot to the iconic blue and gold school colors. It also celebrates the century-long tradition of the Oyster Bake, a community event that has become a cornerstone of St. Mary’s culture.
Symbols of Faith and Education
Key elements such as the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower and the cross in the university logo reflect St. Mary’s enduring dedication to faith-based education, emphasizing the Marianist mission to foster authentic, spiritually grounded leadership.
Eligibility
You are eligible to order your St. Mary’s Rattler Ring if:
Program level Minimum credits earned Undergraduate 75 credits Graduate 30 credits Law 30 credits
The ring symbolizes your achievement and connection to the St. Mary’s alumni network of over 35,000 members.Fall 2024 Rattler Ring Days
Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: University Center, AtriumBalfour representatives will be available to answer any questions and assist with your ring order.
Ordering Deadline
Order your ring by Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, to participate in the Rattler Ring Ceremony on Friday, April 11, 2025.
For more information or assistance, please contact the representatives during Rattler Ring Days or visit the ordering site.
Symbolism and Alumni Tradition
The St. Mary’s Rattler Ring is more than a piece of jewelry; it’s a cherished connection to over 35,000 alumni who share in the Marianist tradition. From the intertwined “A” and “M” honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary to symbols of our campus traditions, this ring represents the milestones and memories that unite generations of proud St. Mary’s graduates.
Click to read the ring story below.
The official University ring — the Rattler Ring — designed specifically for St. Mary’s students and alumni features treasured images of traditions and the Marianist charism.
Images honor the Society of Mary’s inspiration and the University’s namesake, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The seal’s interlocking “A” and “M” (“Ave, Maria”) are framed by olive branches representing Our Lady of Peace. Our Lady of Grace stands at the front of campus, welcoming all. The sunburst appearing behind St. Lous Hall is from Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral in Zaragoza, Spain, where Blessed Chaminade prayed daily and envisioned the Society of Mary.
Marianists arrived in San Antonio in 1852 to begin the St. Mary’s enterprise. It was the brothers’ first foray into Texas, and the Lone Star figures prominently in our seal, as does the year of our founding. The five-pointed star also represents Mary.
Because of crowding downtown, St. Louis College — now called St. Louis Hall — opened for boarders in 1894. The college sat majestically in the countryside northwest of San Antonio. Around that lone edifice, a campus grew. St. Louis Hall still proudly stands as St. Mary’s first — and signature — building.
A grove of pecan trees on campus became a place for students to gather, relax and enjoy nature. The Pecan Grove remains the center of the Alumni Association’s Homecoming Oyster Bake (“Baby Bake”), held since 1916, and its huge scholarship fundraiser, Oyster Bake, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 as a favorite Fiesta San Antonio event. An oyster and pearl are hidden on the ring.
Traditions began. The rattlesnake became the University mascot because students had to clear fields of them before game time. (There’s a bit of “snakeskin” on your ring.) School colors were picked in the in the early 20th century, and Rattler teams continue to wear the gold and blue proudly. The University’s magazine is the Gold & Blue. The Barrett Memorial Bell Tower, funded by Charles T. Barrett Jr. (B.B.A. ’60) and his family, pays homage to Barrett’s mother’s favorite movie, “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” The movie’s song of the same name is the tune to which Brother Louis Schuster, S.M., wrote the lyrics to our Alma Mater. The tower’s bells peal daily when, around the world, the Marianists’ Three O’clock Prayer is recited.
The Ring Story
University Seal
The official seal of St. Mary’s University honors our namesake and heritage
- Five-Pointed Star: Represents both the State of Texas and the University’s patroness, Saint Mary.
- Letter M and A: The letter “M” is the traditional monogram of Saint Mary. Combined with the letter “A” as “MA,” it abbreviates “Mater” (Mother). As “AM,” it represents the acronym for “Ave, Maria” (Hail Mary).
- Olive Wreath: The wreath surrounding the star symbolizes particular merit.
- 1852: Marks the year the Marianists arrived in San Antonio and founded St. Mary’s University.
Graduation Year
The year you and your class become members of St. Mary’s vast alumni network.
The Our Lady of the Pillar Sunburst
Behind St. Louis Hall, the sunburst appears, mirroring the one seen on the altar at the Basilica in Zaragoza, Spain, where Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was inspired to found the Society of Mary.
St. Louis Hall
The University’s first and signature building, St. Louis Hall, was named after St. Aloysius (Louis) Gonzaga, the Patron of Catholic Youth.
Our Lady of Grace
Saint Mary greets all who enter the University’s campus, symbolizing a welcoming spirit to all students and visitors.
Ring Band
The textured band of the ring represents the skin of a rattlesnake, St. Mary’s mascot. This tribute stems from a tradition where playing fields had to be cleared of rattlesnakes before games could begin.
Degree
The letters on the ring indicate the degree you received from St. Mary’s University.
Pecan Leaves
The Pecan Grove, cherished by alumni for generations, is home to century-old pecan trees and the site of the beloved Oyster Bake and other campus gatherings.
Barrett Memorial Bell Tower
A gift from alumnus Charles Barrett Jr. and his family, the Tower stands at the heart of campus and rings daily during the Marianists’ Three O’clock Prayer.
Rattlers
The Rattler is the moniker for all St. Mary’s athletic teams and a symbol of pride for all students.
University Logo
The cross in the University logo symbolizes St. Mary’s educational mission. It represents the University’s commitment to help students face the challenges of:
- The complex reality of the self
- One’s personal, social and institutional relationships
- One’s connection to and relationship with nature
- One’s relationship with the transcendent reality of God
Oyster and Pearl
The oyster and pearl symbolize the Alumni Association and its signature scholarship fundraising event, Fiesta Oyster Bake.
Gold and Blue
The Gold and Blue identifies several key aspects of St. Mary’s
- Alma Mater: The tune is “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” honoring the University’s traditions.
- University Colors: Gold and blue are proudly worn by students and athletic teams.
- University Magazine: The Gold & Blue is also the name of the University’s magazine, representing the spirit and pride of the St. Mary’s community.
Rattler Ring Ceremony
Students who have ordered their class rings and their families are invited to receive their rings during a special event. Rings are blessed and presented to students.
