The Order of the Ark and Dove was created by President Renwick Jackson in 1972 and is the highest honor bestowed by the College. The two historical ships, Ark and Dove, brought the first settlers to Maryland in 1634, where they established the little river port of St. Mary’s City. The honorary society is democratic in its designation of individuals who have given “distinguished service” (money is not a factor) to the College. During the ceremony of induction, the honoree receives both a written citation of appreciation as well as the College’s 3-inch bronze medallion.
2025
- Donald R. Stabile – Professor Emeritus
- Gail Harmon – Trustee Emerita
2024
- Michael P. O’Brien ’68
2023
- Dallas Dean ’60
2021
- Cindy Broyles ’79
2018
- Loretta “Tiny” Taylor – Friend of the College, community leader
- Ed Cole – Friend of the College, community leader
2017
- Bonnie Green – Foundation Board Director, alumna
- Harry Weitzel – Foundation Board Director
2014
- Martin Sullivan – Historic St. Mary’s City Commission Director
2012
- James Stone – Former Trustee
2010
- J. Frank Raley – Maryland State Senator, achieved four-year status for the College, former Trustee
2007
- William Donald Schaefer – Trustee
2005
- Virginia A. Cox
2004
- Steven Muller
- Martha Myers Yeager
2002
- Parris N. Glendening – Former Governor of Maryland
- Terry M. Rubenstein
2000
- Benjamin C. Bradlee
- James A. Kenney
1999
- James Patrick Jarboe
1994
- Edward O. Clarke
1993
- Eleanor Digges Harrington
1990
- Rupert G. Curry
- The Estate of Lucy F. Spedden
1989
- G. Thomas Yeager
1988
- Meyer M. Emanuel
1987
- Clementine L. Kaufman
- Mildred B. Snyder
1986
- Mary Alice W. Benson
- R. Douglas Mathias
- M. Wayne Munday
1985
- Esther L. Coopersmith
- Redmond C. S. Finney
- T. Hammond Welsh
1984
- C. Bernard Fowler
1983
- Jean Noble Chaffinch
- Harry Hughes
- Richard Daniel Weigle
- James A. Wood – Alumna, community leader
1982
- John William Quade
1981
- Aurine Boyden Morsell
1980
- F. Elliott Burch
- Henry P. Walters
1979
- Geneva Jenkins Boone
- Henry J. Fowler
1978
- S. Ethel Chance
1977
- Anna Weems Ewalt
- Merriam H. Trytten
1976
- Frank J. Barley
1974
- Meredith Capper
- William Aleck Locker
1973
- Kent Roberts Mulikin – Friend of the College, community leader
- Elise Hoke Thrasher (Hilda Cronise Hoke)
1972
- R. Bascom Broun – Friend of the College, community leader
- Felix L. Johnson – Community leader
- George L. Radcliffe – Friend of the College, community leader
- Anna May Russell – Former President of St. Mary’s College of Maryland