Leadership Giving Society
The Leadership Giving Society at Claflin University was established in 1996 with two primary purposes in mind: (1) to thank those individuals who have made leadership gifts to the University and (2) to encourage a greater number of leadership gifts. Exclusive membership is given to alumni and friends who commit cash gifts of $1,000 or more annually, benefiting scholarships, academic programs, faculty recruitment and classroom enhancements.
Leadership giving at Claflin is crucial to the remarkable achievements of our university and ensures that students are given every opportunity to succeed in the classroom. Claflin University appreciates the generous support of alumni and friends at all levels of giving. The Leadership Giving Societies are based on your annual giving to Claflin University from October 16-October 15. Your gift, along with your corporate match, will be combined for inclusion in the highest annual recognition society.
Special recognition is given to members in appreciation of their exceptional devotion.
Leadership Giving Luncheon
Since 2002 the University has held the Leadership Giving Luncheon during the annual homecoming weekend activities to recognize all individuals who have made annual cash gifts of $1,000 or more to the University. During this luncheon donors are inducted into the various Leadership Giving Societies.
The Luncheon is the University’s way of expressing gratitude to those individuals who, by virtue of their belief in the mission of the University, give generously to the institution each year. It also gives our donors an opportunity to fellowship with other individuals who support the institution’s ideals and principles.
Why Should I Increase My Gifts?
If you have been making Annual Fund gifts at the $1,000 level, please consider upgrading your gift to $1,896 or more. Why? Because Claflin students need your support. As the expense of providing a Claflin education continues to rise with the cost of living, we hope the size of your gifts will also increase. Your gifts have a direct impact on our students and it is your generosity that guarantees that the unique experience of Claflin will be passed on to a new generation of students.
What Does Leadership Giving Support?
Leadership Giving supports the fundamentals of a Claflin education, such as:
- Endowment Support
- Scholarships
- Capital Projects (i.e. the construction of the Claflin Chapel and the Bio-Technology Center)
- Athletics
- International Study
And that’s not all! Leadership Giving funds the University’s highest priorities that are not covered by tuition. These include recruiting and retaining the best students and faculty.
Why Should I Become A Leadership Donor?
Becoming a part of the Leadership Giving Society will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you have led the way toward ensuring Claflin’s standard of excellence and phenomenal achievements. Members of the Leadership Giving Society exemplify dedication to Claflin’s future.
We encourage you to become a member of the Leadership Giving Society. We also sincerely thank those of you who have already committed to increasing your gifts in support of Claflin’s vision and needs.
Leadership Giving Societies
Kennedy Fellows: $50,000 and up
Kennedy Fellows are named for Dr. Jonas T. Kennedy, who attended Claflin in the 1930’s. Dr. Kennedy was a Trustee Emeritus and a retired agricultural expert.
Middleton Fellows: $25,000-$49,000
Middleton Fellows are named for Dr. Earl M. Middleton, a 1942 alumnus and Chairman of Claflin’s first capital campaign. Dr. Middleton was a prominent businessman and a Tuskegee Airman.
Manning Fellows: $10,000-$24,000
Manning Fellows are named for Claflin’s 6th President, Dr. Hubert V. Manning, who served as President from 1965 until 1984.
Walker Fellows: $5,000-$9,999
Walker Fellows are named for Dr. John W. Walker, a 1948 alumnus and Trustee Emeritus. Dr. Walker was a retired educator and coach.
1869 Society Fellows: $1,869-$4,9999
The Society is named for the year that Claflin University was established.
Claflin Associates: $1,000-$1,868
Claflin Associates are named for the University to pay tribute to the rich Claflin legacy.
Contact Us
Marcus H. Burgess
Vice President, Division of Institutional Advancement
Claflin University
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
888-223-7103 (Toll free)
803-535-5347 (Direct)
mburgess@claflin.edu
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