MSU Donor Societies

Presidents Club, named in honor of the presidents who guided the University to its present eminence, was established in 1963. It recognizes individuals who make a commitment between $10,000 and $24,999 to MSU. The Presidents Club was the first donor recognition group established at Michigan State University and remains the largest.

To allow you, the donor, the opportunity to remain connected with the University, donors at this level are invited to attend several major events each year. These special gatherings provide an opportunity for donors to become better acquainted with MSU?s leadership and students, socialize with others who support the University, and enjoy campus.

In addition, mailings throughout the year help keep donors informed of campus activities. Recognition at the Presidents Club level may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within five years with a minimum annual contribution of $2,000.

MSU provides each Presidents Club household with a distinctive and personalized memento of their commitment, recognition in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, and a donor-focused newsletter called Developments. Donors may also be included in college or unit-based recognition when applicable.

For more information on the Presidents Club membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

Beaumont Tower Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment between $25,000 and $49,999 to MSU. Chartered during the University's first capital campaign, it is named after the one landmark that so thoroughly symbolizes Michigan State University, its history and traditions.

Made possible by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Beaumont, the Tower embodies both the spirit of the University and the spirit of private philanthropy. Built in 1928 to mark the site of College Hall, the first academic building on campus and the first in the world for teaching scientific agriculture, Beaumont Tower represented the establishment of a new concept in education, MSU's now renowned mission of teaching, research, and service.

MSU recognizes the importance of the donor's lifelong relationship with MSU. In that spirit, donors at this level are invited to attend numerous events each year. These fun and energetic gatherings provide an excellent opportunity for donors to become better acquainted with MSU's leadership and students, socialize with other donors, and enjoy campus. Mailings throughout the year help keep donors informed of campus happenings and provide additional opportunities to be a part of life at MSU.

Recognition at the Beaumont Tower Society level may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within five years with a minimum annual contribution of $3,000 or 20% of the pledge balance, whichever is greater.

MSU provides each Beaumont Tower Society household with a distinctive and personalized memento, recognition in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine if not received through membership in the MSU Alumni Association, and a donor-focused newsletter called Developments. Donors may also be recognized by college or unit-specific programs to which they contribute.

For more information on the Beaumont Tower Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

John A. Hannah Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment between $50,000 and $99,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $100,000.

The society honors the memory of President Hannah, who served the University for forty-six years, twenty-eight of them as MSU's twelfth president. He is revered by many and credited with guiding the University through its period of greatest physical and philosophical growth.

Recognition at the John A. Hannah Society level typically includes all gifts received prior to making a pledge at this level and may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within five years with a minimum annual contribution of $5,000 or 20% of the pledge balance, whichever is greater. Planned gifts are documented in writing. A planned gift may be combined with cash gifts and pledges to qualify for Hannah Society recognition

It is MSU's privilege to offer each Hannah Society household with a distinctive and personalized memento, recognition in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine if not received through membership in the MSU Alumni Association, and a donor-focused newsletter called Developments. Donors may also be recognized by college or unit-based programs to which they contribute.

For more information on the Hannah Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

Jonathan L. Snyder Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment between $100,000 and $249,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $200,000. Corporations, foundations, and associations are also offered Snyder Society recognition upon reaching this level of giving.

Snyder served in the role of MSU president from 1896 to 1915 and is credited with many innovations in higher education. He was the first MSU president to actively market the University to prospective students by distributing brochures and programs through the mail and inviting students for campus visits. During his tenure, the student body increased four-fold, and the faculty increased five-fold.

The curriculum for women was strengthened greatly, and MSU put its first football squad through a season of organized games while Snyder was president. He is said to have transformed the office of the president with an aggressive administrative style that focused on innovation.

Donors contributing at the Snyder Society level are continually helping MSU maintain this level of innovation. As a result, the University values the relationship it has with every major donor. To strengthen a mutual commitment to improvement, Snyder level contributors are invited to the largest and most significant events held for donors in addition to smaller, more personalized gatherings that allow for closer contact with MSU leadership, faculty, and students. Mailings throughout the year will keep Snyder level donors informed of campus activities and provide additional opportunities to be a part of campus life.

Donors contributing at the Snyder Society level are continually helping MSU maintain this level of innovation. As a result, the University values the relationship it has with every major donor. To strengthen a mutual commitment to improvement, Snyder level contributors are invited to the largest and most significant events held for donors in addition to smaller, more personalized gatherings that allow for closer contact with MSU leadership, faculty, and students. Mailings throughout the year will keep Snyder level donors informed of campus activities and provide additional opportunities to be a part of campus life.

It is MSU's privilege to provide each Snyder Society level donor with a distinctive and personalized memento, recognition in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine if not received through membership in the MSU Alumni Association, and a donor-focused newsletter called Developments. Donors may also be recognized by college or unit-based programs to which they contribute.

For more information on the Jonathan L. Snyder Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

Theophilus C. Abbot Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment between $250,000 and $499,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $500,000. Corporations, foundations, and associations are also offered Abbot Society recognition upon reaching this level of giving.

Abbot, MSU president from 1862 to 1885, was a revered scholar on campus. He arrived in 1857 to assume a professorship in English literature, but over the years he was called on to teach no fewer than 17 other subjects at the college. When he assumed the presidency, the future of the college was anything but certain. Abbot, however, was able to maintain the prestige of the nation's first agricultural college by establishing a curriculum of "scientific agriculture." An ordained Congregational minister, Abbot fought the battles necessary to ensure that the college gained enrollments and critical appropriations from the government.

Donors contributing at this level continue Abbot's efforts by providing a critical financial edge necessary to maintain a high level of innovation in academic as well as non-academic areas of the University. Abbot level contributors are invited to exclusive engagements on campus as well as the largest and most significant events held for society donors each year. In addition, mailings throughout the year will inform Abbot level donors of opportunities to be involved in many other aspects of campus life.

Recognition at the Theophilus C. Abbot Society level typically includes all gifts received prior to making a pledge at this level and may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within one-to-five years. Planned gifts are documented in writing. A planned gift may be combined with cash gifts and pledges to qualify for Abbot Society recognition.

It is MSU's privilege to provide each Abbot Society level donor with a distinctive and personalized memento, recognition in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine if not received through membership in the MSU Alumni Association, and a donor-focused newsletter called Developments. Donors may also be recognized by college or unit-based programs to which they contribute.

For more information on the Abbot Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

Robert S. Shaw Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment between $500,000 and $999,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $1,000,000. Corporations, foundations, and associations are also offered Shaw Society recognition upon reaching this level of giving.

Shaw, a native of Ontario, Canada, arrived in East Lansing in 1902 as an assistant professor. After serving as acting president on three separate occasions, he was officially named president in 1928. He held that post until his retirement in 1941 when he was succeeded by his son-in-law, John Hannah. During his presidency, student enrollments and the number of faculty rose dramatically.

Shaw initiated the purchase of an additional 1,000 acres of land for campus expansion and managed to gain accreditation from many organizations. During his time as president, he introduced new courses including Hotel Administration, Public Administration, Geology, Geography, and Physical Education for women. Shaw is also credited with creating an All-College Division, which included the Registrar, Publications & Journalism, Library, Radio Broadcasting, and Competitive Athletics departments.

Contributions at the Shaw level allow significant expansion of existing quality programs as well as the initiation of new programs, endowments and scholarships in much the way the namesake of this society did during his time at MSU. Shaw level donors are welcomed at exclusive engagements on campus as well as the largest and most significant gatherings of donors each year. In addition, Shaw level donors will be kept informed of opportunities to be involved in many other aspects of campus life, either via mail or personal contact with MSU representatives.

Recognition at the Robert S. Shaw Society level typically includes all gifts received prior to making a pledge at this level and may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within one-to-five years. Planned gifts are documented in writing. A planned gift may be combined with cash gifts and pledges to qualify for Shaw Society recognition.

It is MSU's privilege to provide each Shaw Society level donor with a distinctive and personalized memento, recognition in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine if not received through a membership in the MSU Alumni Association, and a donor-focused newsletter called Developments. Donors may also be appropriately recognized by college or unit-based programs to which they contribute.

For more information on the Shaw Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

Frank S. Kedzie Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment between $1,000,000 and $2,499,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $1,500,000. Corporations, foundations, and associations are also offered Kedzie Society recognition upon reaching this level of giving.

Named for the eighth president of Michigan State University, the Kedzie Society is one of the University's most prestigious donor recognition groups. Kedzie served as president from 1915 to 1922 and is considered a pioneer for private support to the University. During his tenure, R. E. Olds gave $100,000 toward the construction of Olds Hall, a new engineering hall to replace the engineering building that burned down on the same site. It was the first private donation toward a campus building.

President Kedzie is also recognized as the driving force behind early alumni involvement. In his first year as president, he encouraged alumni contributions and student pledges to construct the Union Memorial Building, built a decade later.

The University's relationship with each donor is revered, and the goal is to maintain an affiliation that shows our appreciation and gratitude. In addition to festive gatherings, Kedzie Society donors may have increased contact with the President, other University administrators, faculty and students. In addition to financial contributions, the University recognizes the knowledge and experience of donors at this level as essential to the progress of MSU.

Recognition at the Frank S. Kedzie Society level typically includes all gifts received prior to making a pledge at this level and may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within one-to-five years. Planned gifts are documented in writing. A planned gift may be combined with cash gifts and pledges to qualify for Kedzie Society recognition.

It is MSU's privilege to offer Kedzie Society donors a personalized memento commemorating their commitment made to the University. The donor-focused Developments newsletter will be sent regularly, listing in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine will be provided, complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine are offered if not received through a membership in the MSU Alumni Association, and other recognition of the gift may be arranged.

For more information on the Kedzie Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

Clifton R. Wharton Society recognizes the generosity of individuals and corporations who make a commitment of at least $2,500,000 to MSU or a qualifying deferred gift of at least $3,750,000. Corporations, foundations, and associations are also offered Wharton Society recognition upon reaching this level of giving.

After a distinguished career in international affairs, Clifton R. Wharton became Michigan State University's fourteenth president in 1970. It was a tumultuous time on campus with numerous student demonstrations as well as fiscal problems resulting from budget cuts, yet his tenure was marked by successful efforts to maintain the quality of MSU's academic programs, his commitment to the education of the economically and educationally disadvantaged, and the integration of the School of Osteopathic Medicine with the other medical schools. Major innovations he implemented included the Presidential Commission on Admissions and Student Body Composition to study future enrollment policies and a Presidential Fellows Program to allow selected students and junior faculty members to gain experience in university administration. The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, dedicated in 1982, was named in honor of Wharton and his wife Dolores, in recognition of their strong support for the project. Wharton went on to serve as chancellor of the State University of New York, as chairman and CEO of TIAA-CREF, and as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton.

MSU recognizes the vitality that donors at the Wharton level bring to the university. It is the intention of MSU that donors at this level are able to communicate on a personal level with the president and other university representatives, and participate in campus activities that range from the most exclusive and personalized to the largest and most spirited. The experience and expertise of donors at this level are highly valued and their thoughts and opinions carefully considered.

Recognition at the Clifton R. Wharton Society level typically includes all gifts received prior to making a pledge at this level and may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within one-to-five years. Planned gifts are documented in writing. A planned gift may be combined with cash gifts and pledges to qualify for Wharton Society recognition.

Stewardship of Wharton Society donors will be discussed on a case by case basis. Should donors accept, a personalized memento commemorating their commitment made to the university will be presented. Recognition may include an article in the donor-focused Developments newsletter which will be sent to the donor regularly, a listing in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, and possibly other media coverage, if desired.

Joseph R. Williams Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment of at least $5,000,000 to MSU or a qualifying deferred gift of at least $7,500,000. Corporations, foundations, and associations are also offered Williams Society recognition upon reaching this level of giving.

Williams was the first president of what was known at its founding as "The Agricultural College of the State of Michigan." He can best be remembered as a key advocate of its distinctly new educational philosophy which involved a broad curriculum for students from the common schools. As the keynote speaker at the college's campus dedication ceremony in 1857, Williams stressed the importance of providing students with an education in modern science that could be applied to the practical business of life. Though ultimately disappointed with the Morrill Act still unsigned as he left the presidency, Williams displayed a dedication to the college's success that began building the strong foundation for what is today Michigan State University.

MSU recognizes the enterprise and energy donors at the Williams level bring to the University. It is the intention of the University that donors at this level are able to communicate on a personal level with the President and other University representatives, and participate in campus activities that range from the most exclusive and personalized to the largest and most spirited. The experience and expertise of donors at this level are highly valued, their thoughts and opinions carefully considered.

Recognition at the Joseph R. Williams Society level typically includes all gifts received prior to making a pledge at this level and may include company matching contributions. Pledges are fulfilled within one-to-five years. Planned gifts are documented in writing. A planned gift may be combined with cash gifts and pledges to qualify for Williams Society recognition.

Stewardship of Williams Society donors will be discussed on a case by case basis. Should donors accept, a personalized memento commemorating their commitment made to the University will be presented. Recognition may include an article in the donor-focused Developments newsletter which will be sent to the donor regularly, a listing in an issue of the MSU Alumni Magazine, and possibly other media coverage, if desired. Complimentary quarterly issues of the MSU Alumni Magazine are provided if not already received through membership in the MSU Alumni Association.

For more information on the Williams Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

The William J. Beal Society recognizes the generosity of individuals who make a commitment of at least $10,000,000 to MSU or a qualifying deferred gift of at least $15,000,000. Corporations, foundations, and associations are also offered Beal Society recognition upon reaching this level of giving.

William James Beal was a professor of Botany at Michigan Agricultural College from 1870-1910. Beal designed the original format for the oldest continuously operated botanical garden in the US. In 1879, Dr. Beal began his vitality experiment by burying 1,000 seeds from twenty different plant species to test seed germination. That same year, Dr. Beal's crossbreeding experiment demonstrated a 21-51% increase in corn yields. This led to the first published account of a field experiment demonstrating hybrid vigor in corn, by Eugene Davenport and Perry Holden, 1881. He authored, The New Botany, in which his emphasis on naturalistic design with both native and exotic plants is described; and Grasses of North America. His outdoor laboratory has expanded to 6 acres and over 5,000 species, and is acknowledged as the oldest of North American botanical gardens.

For more information on the William James Beal Society membership, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a special gifts officer.

The Linda E. Landon Society, named for the beloved MSU librarian and first female instructor on campus, recognizes and honors individuals and families who, through their estate plans, have established a planned gift of any size benefiting Michigan State University.

These future gifts can take many forms, such as a bequest through a will or personal trust or one of several charitable life-income plans.

For more information on the Landon Society, please call University Development at (517) 884-1000 and ask to speak to a planned giving officer.