Donor Recognition Societies
The ongoing commitment of our generous alumni and friends helps the College meet students’ educational needs. Gifts from these individuals and organizations have fueled the growth of Worcester State Foundation’s endowment. Because alumni and friends are instrumental in providing scholarship aid, program assistance, equipment, and more every year, Worcester State College has created donor recognition societies to celebrate their generosity. They include:
The Cornerstone Society
Symbolic of the cornerstone of the State Normal School built on St. Ann’s Hill in 1874, members of The Cornerstone Society today represent the foundation of all major giving to WSC. Individuals and organizations that have made total contributions of $100,000 and higher are honored with perpetual membership in The Cornerstone Society. These exceptionally magnanimous individuals and organizations will be recognized at donor recognition events and in College publications and electronic media, as well as invited to several donor recognition events, including the Distinguished Donors Reception.
The 1874 Pillar Society
Individuals who demonstrate special devotion and foresight to include WSC in their gift planning via a will, an annuity, or trust for which the College is the beneficiary are honored with perpetual membership in The 1874 Pillar Society. These donors will be recognized at a donor recognition event, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, in Pillars Society newsletters, and in other College publications and electronic media.
The Founders’ Society
The Founders’ Society owes its name to the men and women who first established the Worcester Normal and Training School, and whose dedication to excellence enabled it to flourish and gain distinction. Their leadership led to its transition into Worcester State Teachers College, located on the current Chandler Street campus, and its later transformation into the liberal arts college we know and love today. Membership is exclusive for individuals and organizations who contribute $25,000 or more annually to the College. These donors will be brought together at a private dinner with President Ashley, and will be recognized at a donor recognition event, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, in a donor newsletter, and in other College publications and electronic media.
The Trustees’ Circle
The Trustees’ Circle is named for the College’s governing board, whose members are pillars of the community who are appointed by the governor. Membership exemplifies the leadership characteristics of vision, wisdom, talent, and resourcefulness synonymous with the type of individuals chosen to serve as Trustees. It is exclusive to those who donate $10,000 to $24,999 annually to the College. These generous benefactors will be invited to join President Ashley at a show at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, and will be recognized at a donor recognition event, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, in a donor newsletter, and in other College publications and electronic media.
The President’s Circle
Founded in 1993, The President’s Circle celebrates the individuals and organizations that, like all of the College’s presidents, share an ongoing commitment to providing excellent academic opportunities to all who seek higher education at WSC. Membership is open to donors who contribute $1,000 to $9,999 annually to the College. They are recognized with an invitation to join President Ashley at the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, and in the President’s Annual Report.
The Alumni Tiffany Gates Society
Gifts of the Class of 1915, the Alumni Tiffany Gates signify how WSC opens up so many opportunities for its students. The gates once stood at the formal entrance to the State Normal School and were moved to the current campus in 1932. Located on Chandler Street between the Helen G. Shaughnessy Administration Building and Sullivan Academic Center, students still walk through them today. Individuals and organizations that contribute $500 to $999 annually are honored with membership in The Alumni Tiffany Gates Society. They are recognized with an invitation to a reception in the rotunda of the Administration Building and opening night of the WSC Theater’s fall play as well as in the President’s Annual Report. Members are also invited to the Distinguished Donors Reception.
The 1932 Oak Leaf Society
The year 1932 marks the College’s move to its Chandler Street campus, the grand opening of what is today called the Helen G. Shaughnessy Administration Building, and the year the state Board of Education approved the new name of Worcester State Teachers College. Worcester State students long identified with the spirit of a sturdy oak tree in their desire to “prevail over every obstacle.” Therefore, the Oak Leaf was adopted as the emblem of the State Normal School, and, upon the move to the new campus, became the name of the yearbook. The College has brought these together to honor those who donate $250 to $499 annually with membership in The 1932 Oak Leaf Society. Members are recognized with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception and in the President’s Annual Report.
The Century Club
Individuals and organizations that have made contributions of $100 to $249 are honored with membership to The Century Club. Members are recognized in the President’s Annual Report.
Sine Qua Non Society
The Sine Qua Non Society honors faculty and staff donors who have made financial and in-kind donations while giving their time and talent to help students excel. Members are recognized in the President’s Annual Report.