The Ring Cycle: What Was Lost Is Returned

Mike Hall ’76 (left) lost his SMU ring in the 1980s and was certain it was gone forever. However, someone found it – no one is quite sure who, when or where – and passed it along to the Alumni Relations office, which brought Bob Sharp (right) into the loop. Sharp, director of major gifts and Circle of Champions, SMU Athletics Development, graduated from SMU in 1976, the year etched on the ring. Sharp recognized the initials inside the ring, “MWH,” as possibly belonging to Hall. Both men were Mustang cheerleaders – Hall in 1975 and Sharp in 1976-77 – and had been roommates during the 1975-76 school year. Although out of touch for some years, they reconnected at their Centennial Reunion in November. After exchanging e-mails to verify ownership, Sharp was able to reunite Hall with his ring. “What an unbelievable surprise! I never expected to see it again,” says Hall. “Some people think it’s corny for a grown man to wear his college ring, but I wear mine proudly. For me, my ring symbolizes the tremendous gratitude I feel toward my parents for enabling me to attend the finest University in the nation.”