LEAVE YOUR MARK
CELEBRATE THE LEGACY.
SUPPORT THE CREATION OF RING PLAZA AT SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY.
ABOUT THE SHSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Since its earliest beginnings in 1881, the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association has embodied the spirit of Bearkat pride. While an informal group of former students began gathering in the late 19th century, the first official alumni association was established in the early 1920s during President Harry F. Estill’s tenure. Decades later, in 1956, the organization became a formal nonprofit under the name “Alumni Association of Sam Houston State Teachers College.”
According to its founding charter, the Association exists to support charitable and educational initiatives, assist students, and foster a sense of fellowship among graduates.
The Association entered a new era in 1992, merging with the University to become a centralized organization under the Office of Alumni Relations. With guidance from a dedicated Board of Directors, the Association expanded its programs and impact, offering alumni events, scholarships, and ways to stay connected regardless of graduation year or college affiliation.
In 2024, annual membership dues were eliminated to increase inclusivity and to elevate the significance of Life Memberships, ensuring that every graduate feels a lifelong connection to SHSU.
Today, the Alumni Association is a cornerstone of the Sam Houston community. Its enduring legacy of service, engagement, and Bearkat pride continues to grow, now with a bold new vision for the future: a lasting tribute in the heart of campus through the creation of Ring Plaza.
ABOUT THE RING PROGRAM
The Official Sam Houston State University Ring was created as an everlasting symbol of our esteem for the university and our bond with each other. A committee that included students, alumni, faculty and university administration chose the design of the official ring in 2003. The first official ring ceremony was held in the spring of 2004. In 2007, the word “HONOR” began being inscribed inside of each ring. In 2014, a new tradition began, where the rings stay overnight in the home of General Sam Houston on the eve of the ceremony.
The official Sam Houston State University class ring is a lasting symbol of achievement, pride, and Bearkat tradition. Current students who have completed 75 credit hours or more are eligible to purchase the ring. Graduate students and alumni may purchase theirs at any time.
TRADITION
A SYMBOL OF HONOR
Each gold ring is crafted with distinct elements that reflect the heritage and pride of SHSU. The top features the letters “SH” above a star, encircled by the words “Sam Houston State University.” One side displays Austin Hall with “SHSU” below, while the other shows the statue of General Sam Houston with the university’s founding year, 1879, and the graduate’s class year.
Inside every ring is a single word HONOR.
This inscription pays tribute to a powerful moment in Sam Houston’s life. When he joined the U.S. Army in 1813, his mother, Elizabeth Houston, handed him a musket and a gold band engraved with the word “Honor.” She urged him never to disgrace it, declaring that while her door would always be open to brave men, it would remain forever shut to cowards. Her words and that gold band became part of Sam Houston’s enduring legacy. Today, the tradition continues with every Bearkat who wears the ring.
A TRADITION TO TREASURE
Before each Ring Ceremony, every class ring spends the night inside Sam Houston’s historic home on the grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library. This meaningful gesture connects each ring to the university’s namesake and the legacy of service and leadership he represents.
Juniors and seniors wear their rings with the university name facing inward, signifying their ongoing journey at SHSU. During Commencement, graduates turn the ring outward, symbolizing their readiness to share their knowledge and step boldly into the world.
INTRODUCING
THE RING PLAZA
A symbol of achievement. A place of tradition. A moment that lasts a lifetime.
Ring Plaza will serve as a permanent tribute to the Bearkat journey. Featuring a larger-than-life replica of the official SHSU ring, this new landmark will become a centerpiece of campus tradition. It will be a place where students, alumni, and families gather to celebrate one of the most meaningful milestones in the SHSU experience.
As part of the ring ceremony, students and families will walk proudly through the plaza, capturing photos beside the monumental ring and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. For alumni, it will be a place to return, reflect, and reconnect with a university that helped shape their path.
This project is more than a physical space. It is a celebration of the moments that define us, a tribute to our shared legacy, and an invitation to every Bearkat - past, present, and future - to stand in the heart of something timeless.
JOIN US IN CREATING A LASTING LEGACY
Your support can help bring Ring Plaza to life and ensure this new tradition stands tall for generations of Bearkats to come. Naming opportunities and donor recognition options are available for those who wish to leave a permanent mark on the campus experience. Whether honoring your own journey or celebrating a loved one’s achievement, your gift will become part of a story that continues to inspire students, alumni, and families for years to come.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
RING PLAZA
SAMMY BEARKAT RING PLAZA
Contact SHSU Alumni Association for details.
TREE PLANTER - $25,000
SAMMY BEARKAT TREE
WALL PLAQUES
Sizes are approximate.
8.5” X 11” PLAQUE - $5,000 8” X 8” PLAQUE - $2,500
