The magic of the X-Ring was on full display as more than 1,000 soon-to-be graduating StFX students received the university’s iconic symbol during the annual ceremony on December 3rd, the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier. One of the most anticipated events in the life of a StFX student—many hold countdowns months in advance—members of the Class of 2026 receiving their rings gathered in the Keating Centre for a moment they’ve long anticipated.
First presented in 1958, the X-Ring has become one of the most widely recognized rings in the world, said to be the third most recognized ring globally after the Super Bowl and Papal rings. Generations of alumni from around the world proudly wear the ring from prime ministers and CEOs to community champions. Most of all, it’s a symbol reflecting each student’s journey at StFX.
“Welcome to the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier. This is the day that StFX University has made uniquely its own. It’s the day of the X-Ring ceremony,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said as he welcomed all, including a few thousand family and friends tuning in via viewing rooms in the Barrick Auditorium in Mulroney Hall, and Coach K Court in The Amelia Saputo Centre, as well as more than 2,000 watching the livestream broadcast from points around the globe.
“To our students, this is your day, a day that you will soon declare to the world that you have been part of the experience that is StFX University. You are a Xaverian. Congratulations.”
No doubt there have been many twists and turns in that story, and your individual narratives will be different but, in a few minutes, they’ll be connected, Dr. Hakin said.
What makes each ring special is your experiences, the challenges you faced, the friendships you made, the success you’ve had, all held symbolically in the ring on your finger.
“In wearing an X-Ring you become connected,” he said, not just to members of the Class of 2026 but also to generations of Xaverians who have gone before you and those yet to come.
Dr. Hakin encouraged the senior students to think about what it means to be a Xaverian.
“For me, it means upholding a legacy of kindness,” he said, of service, giving back, and understanding the importance of community. He spoke too of the legacy of the late Fr. Stanley MacDonald, an important person to many students. Fr. Stan’s life was filled with kindness and a deep commitment to making the world a better place for all.
“Embrace the path he showed us,” Dr. Hakin said. “Together we can build a better society for all. This is the grand purpose all universities should aspire to it.
“In this room are changemakers and difference-makers, people who are ready and able to take on the many challenges and opportunities we have in this world. This is what we need you to do.”
Dr. Hakin also took time to recognize the community that has helped the students arrive at this day—a journey enabled by the love and support of family and friends, as well as the support of StFX faculty and staff. “Your success is their success.”
Most importantly, your X-Ring is an invitation to tell your story, to live with purpose, and to lift up others, he said. “Wear that ring with pride.”
BEING FEARLESS
“Today, I would love to talk to you guys about being fearless, about being courageous,” said guest speaker Dr. Beth McCharles ’01, a leading mental performance coach who specializes in building confidence, empowering individuals and teams, and developing high-performance cultures.
A Cape Breton Island native and a 2019 dual sport athlete in the StFX Sport Hall of Fame, Dr. McCharles has 20 years of experience with top-rated universities as a lecturer, coach, and consultant. Her private clients are Olympic medalists, PWHL, NHL, NCAA, artists, and corporate leaders. Internationally, she’s been to eight world championships as an athlete, coach, and mental performance coach.
Being courageous is different for everyone and it takes practice, she said. “I know it did for me.”
Dr. McCharles shared three things with the students to help them think a little differently.
Be durable, she said. Find yourself and find your values. When we can take what we love and start leading and living with that, that makes all the difference. That keeps us durable in our career. Knowing what your values are allows you to be grounded and have your passions light your fire.
Be adaptable. “Truly, truly are you able to pivot? I failed so much. But it’s how you react to that failure that makes all the difference. The choices you make,” she said. “We know your life is going to have setbacks…there will be peaks and valleys, but it’s what we do with that.”
Her third piece of advice centred on vitality. A zest for life. When we have vitality and train our brain to think more positively, which is sometimes hard, it can also make all the difference when we create kindness over fear. “Teach your brain to be positive,” she said, to think that things will work out. People will want to connect with that positive energy.
“The X-Ring to me is the past, the present, and the future. You guys get to join the most unmatched community of all time, the alumni,” Dr. McCharles said.
“WE MADE IT!”
“We made it guys. We’re getting our rings!” said Christian Lejeune, 2026 Senior Class co-president and ceremony emcee with co-president and classmate Nellie Campbell.
“You will remember that we first lit the X candle during our Xaverian Welcome ceremony,” Mr. Lejeune noted as graduating class members Noah Campbell, Sophia Hatfield, Carling Kuhlberg, Babila Mohanarajan, Val von Muehldorfer, Katie Murphy, Alexa Robinson, Sean Ryan, Bea Torreon, Luc Turcescu, Laxman Uppal, Kendra Walker and Lily Wilson began the ceremony, coming forward to light the StFX candle.
SENIOR CLASS GIFT
Mr. Lajeune said the Class of 2026 is excited to announce the X-Ring Bursary Fund as the Senior Class Gift, a longstanding annual tradition that underscores StFX students’ desire to help future Xaverians. The Class of 2026 fund is dedicated to supporting future Xaverians who demonstrate financial need, helping them cover the cost of purchasing their X-Ring.
“For generations, the X-Ring has symbolized pride, belonging, and the lifelong connection to the Xaverian community. Through this bursary fund, the Class of 2026 is paying forward that tradition, ensuring students, regardless of financial circumstance, have the opportunity to proudly wear their X-Ring and fully participate in one of StFX’s most meaningful traditions.”
In her address, Ms. Campbell spoke about the deep meaning of the X-Ring ceremony.
The X-Ring is a long-standing tradition woven into the history of StFX, she noted. “It’s special because it captures our individual stories yet ties them into one larger story we all share. Each ring carries the memories we’ve made over the last four years: the good, the challenging, and everything in between.”
AT ITS CORE ABOUT BELONGING
But at its core, it’s about belonging. “It’s about connection, resilience, courage, respect, and community. The X-Ring links us to the people who came before us, and it will keep connecting us to Xaverians for the rest of our lives,” she said. “Be proud of yourself today. Let this moment sink in. Let yourself feel it fully. You worked, you persevered, and you made it here.”
Graduating student Bret Carroll offered words of welcome. “Through our best moments and greatest challenges, we made it to this special day,” he said. “The X-Ring is more than a piece of jewelry. It’s a symbol of achievement and fellowship. No matter where we may end up when our time at StFX is done, the X-Ring connects us to Xaverians around the globe.”
As part of the ceremony, University Chaplain Fr. Donald MacGillivray offered the invocation and graduating students Emilia Stewart explained the motto of St. Francis Xavier, while Rowan Campbell shared some of Fr. Moses Coady’s ideas about the importance of social justice and development in a true democracy.
Reese Mann introduced guest speaker, Dr. Beth McCharles ’01. Genevieve Curry expressed gratitude on behalf of the Class of 2026 to Dr. McCharles for her inspiring words. “Receiving one of the world’s most recognizable rings is truly a surreal experience, and having role models like you reminds us of what it truly stands for: commitment, leadership, and community.”
Students’ Union president Jacob Cruchet led the reciting of the Xaverian Commitment.
StFX Alumni Association president Mike Gillis ’87 spoke about the magic of the X-Ring. “The real magic is right here on your finger. It’s the kind of magic that can turn strangers into friends,” he said.
“All of you now are part of the X-Ring story.”
Mr. Gillis advised the students to make sure their X-Ring class year numbers are facing them. On graduation day, students will turn the ring out to face the world.
HONORARY X-RING
It has become tradition that the graduating class and the Alumni Association work together to choose a member of the campus community to receive an honorary X-Ring, someone who embodies the Xaverian spirit.
This year’s honorary X-Ring was awarded to StFX chemistry professor Dr. Gerry Marangoni who was recognized for his 30-plus years of service, his inspired mentorship, and his leadership by example.
The ceremony also ended in tradition with the StFX song, Hail and Health, and the tapping of X-Rings on ‘Chapel wood.’ When the graduating class was smaller, the X-Ring ceremony was held in the University Chapel. During that time, it was tradition for students to tap their X-Rings on the wooden pews once all rings had been distributed. This tradition continues, with a wooden kneeler from the Chapel placed at the exit for students to tap as they leave the ceremony.
