NEW PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE GIVING SOCIETIES will go into effect after June 30 of this year. Membership in the entry level of The President’s Circle will increase on July 1 from $250 to $1,000.

It is the first time since their establishment in 1984 that giving society levels will increase.

“Increasing the minimum donation for participation in The President’s Circle from $250 to $1,000 overcomes the inflationary forces that have eroded the real value of gift levels which have not changed for nearly three decades,” said Joy Westerberg Knopp ’92, director of annual giving. “Due to inflation, a $500 gift 28 years ago would be the equivalent of $1,070 today to make the same impact.”

See the chart at right for the new societies.

Also changing are the recognition levels for gifts from $250 to $999. Gifts from $250 to $499 will provide admission to the Green Club level, and gifts of $500 to $999 will designate members of the Gold Club level.

Donors wishing to stretch their giving to the next level so they continue to be a member of The President’s Circle will be able to make their gifts in installments.

Donors may make their gifts to be used in areas of greatest need or priority, or designate their gifts to support scholarships, one of the college’s four schools, an academic department, or a specific organization or program.

For more information on joining Oswego’s philanthropic leaders, call 315-312-3003 or visit alumni.oswego.edu/presidentscircle

“One of the things that I love about Oswego is its traditions,” said Jennifer Shropshire ’86, national chair of The Fund for Oswego. “For example, I vividly remember being part of the Torchlight ceremony as a senior. I’m also proud of another tradition that may not be unique to Oswego in theory, but certainly is unique in the way that Oswegonians carry out our daily lives personally and professionally.  We step up.

“We approach what lies ahead of us with enthusiasm and a strong and sincere intent to make a tangible difference. In that spirit, I’m thinking about how I can step up my financial support to Oswego this year. I want to continue to be a leader in a way that matches my commitment to the college as well as my personal circumstances.”

Shropshire was referring to the new societies, which go into effect after June 30 of this year. Membership in the entry level of the President’s Circle will increase on July 1 from $250 to $1,000.

See the chart at right for the new giving societies.

Also changing are the recognition levels for gifts from $250 to $999. Gifts from $250 to $499 will provide admission to the Green Club level, and gifts of $500 to $999 will designate members of the Gold Club level.

“While the economy certainly plays a role as I consider my future, I’m mindful that it has an even more significant impact on the lives of current students and their families,” Shropshire said. “For most families, it is a challenge — sometimes a straight-up sacrifice — to pay for someone to attend Oswego. During the School of Business Symposium in November, I witnessed firsthand how eager every student I encountered was to get the most out of his or her Oswego experience in order to make his or her family’s challenge/sacrifice worthwhile.

“To that end, I pledge to rise to the occasion and hope that you will join me in rising to a new level of philanthropic leadership,” she said.

Donors wishing to stretch their giving to the next level so they continue to be a member of the President’s Circle will be able to make their gifts in installments.

Donors may make their gifts to be used in areas of greatest need or priority, or designate their gifts to support scholarships, one of the college’s four schools, an academic department, or a specific organization or program.

New Giving Societies

(effective July 1, 2013)

The President’s Circle
$25,000 + Medallion Society

$10,000 – $24,999 Torchbearer Society

$5,000 – $9,999 Ambassador Society

$2,500 – $4,999 Ontarian Society

$1,861 – $2,499 1861 Founder’s Society

$1,000 – $1,860 Pillar Society

Green and Gold Club:

$500 – $999 Gold member

$250 – $499 Green member

It is the first time since the founding of the President’s Circle in 1984 that the levels will change. Current giving levels will remain in place through June 30 of next year.

Membership in the entry level of the President’s Circle will increase on July 1, 2013, from $250 to $1,000.

See the chart at right for the new gift club levels and their names.

Also changing are the recognition levels for gifts from $250 to $999. Gifts from $250 to $499 will provide admission to the Green Club, and gifts of $500 to $999 will designate members of the Gold Club.

“Our President’s Circle donors are the leadership supporters of the institution,” said President Deborah F. Stanley. “Their generous gifts truly make a difference every day for our students.

“Alumni participation in giving is key to the college’s success. Not only do your gifts make a powerful impact on our students’ lives, but your participation helps keep Oswego strong in the college rankings,” she added.

Donors may make their gifts to be used in areas of greatest need or priority, or designate their gifts to support scholarships, one of the college’s four schools, an academic department, or a specific organization or program.

Learn more about joining Oswego’s philanthropic leaders in the President’s Circle.