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Giving to UVM
The Online Community for Alumni, Parents, & Friends of UVM

Leadership Giving Societies

Established in 1964, the Leadership Giving Societies recognize alumni, parents, and friends who make leadership contributions of $1,000 or more to the University. These societies are named for UVM's founder and three distinguished alumni whose exemplary leadership and commitment to The University of Vermont are mirrored by the generous contributions of this esteemed group of annual donors.  In fiscal year 2006, nearly 1,800 alumni, parents, and friends joined the Leadership Giving Societies.  Read the society descriptions below.

Read about the benefits of membership and see the many ways that your leadership gift can help UVM.

Leadership Giving Membership Guidelines
Minimum Contribution Benchmarks
Alumni (more than 10 years out) - $1000
Parents and Friends - $1,000
Alumni (more than five years out through 10th Reunion) - $500
Alumni (up to and including the fifth Reunion) - $250
Current students - $100

The 1791 Society ($250,000 or more cumulative lifetime giving)
The University of Vermont's most prestigious leadership giving society, now in its fifth year, 1791 Society members' cumulative financial commitments have a lasting impact by providing critical resources to enhance current programs and fund special University initiatives.

The University Society ($100,000 +)
The Universty Society honors early Vermont pioneers who gave significantly of themselves to help create Vermont's University, and continues to honor those who share those pioneering visions with significant gifts to the University.

Founders' Society ($50,000 - $99,999)
In memory of Vermont's founders' inclusion of the University of Vermont in the state charter, the Founders Society honors those people who make extraordinarily generous gifts to the University.

President's Society ($25,000-$49,999)
The President's Society honors the significant impact of UVM's presidents-past and present.

John Dewey Society ($10,000-$24,999)
Following his 1879 graduation from The University of Vermont, John Dewey pursued a noteworthy career in education, philosophy, and psychology. Dewey is honored for his life's work, which changed the course of modern philosophy and education.

Grace Goodhue Coolidge Society ($5,000-$9,999)
A 1902 graduate of The University of Vermont and among UVM's most public alumnae, Grace Goodhue married Calvin Coolidge and became one of the most popular of the First Ladies to preside in the White House.

Frederick Billings Society ($2,500-$4,999)
It was the $250,000 gift of Frederick Billings, an 1844 alumnus, that allowed UVM to build its first library.

Ira Allen Society ($1,000-$2,499)
His great interest in establishing a university in Burlington, Vermont, led UVM founder Ira Allen to pledge £4,000 and donate land for such a purpose in 1789.

Daniel Clarke Sanders Club ($500-$999)
The first president of UVM, Daniel Clarke Sanders was deeply dedicated to the university, serving as the entire faculty during the first seven years of its operation.

Lafayette Club ($250-$499)The Lafayette Club honors the Marquis de Lafayette, who laid the cornerstone of Old Mill while on his historic tour of the land he helped free from British rule.

Old Mill Club ($100-$249)
The original UVM campus building, Old Mill was twice destroyed by fire and both times rebuilt through the generosity of Burlington residents and alumni.

Wilbur Society (planned gifts)
In 1929, James B. Wilbur established a scholarship fund through a provision in his will with an initial gift of $1.5 million. Since then, the fund has grown to more than $12 million and provides financial aid to more than 300 students annually.

Green Mountain Circle (gifts made in 5 consecutive years)
UVM's newest giving society, the Green Mountain Circle encompasses a special group of alumni who have demonstrated their commitment to UVM though consistent financial support, acknowledging that every gift, regardless of size, truly makes a difference to UVM.

For more information about UVM giving societies contact:
Office of Alumni & Parent Programs
(888) 458-8691
alumni@uvm.edu