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Donor Recognition

The President’s Circle

Philanthropy has played a significant role at Western Michigan University since the early 1900’s. Over the years, major contributions from loyal supporters have provided the resources to help WMU become the highly regarded institution of higher learning for which it is known today. Because Western is so deeply indebted to its many benefactors, recognition for the significance of their gifts is a top priority of the University.

The President’s Circle was created to recognize donors to the University who contribute at the highest levels. It is a society of the University’s most prestigious donors who share in the goals of providing excellence in education and in preparing students to meet the challenges of a complex world.

History

Since it was founded in 1975, the President’s Circle has grown from a charter membership of 70 to more than 1,300 members and both the name—originally “President’s Club”—and the criteria for membership have changed with recognition opportunities being enhanced.

Private support has been critical to Western since its first organized fund-raising campaign took place in 1914 to raise $7,000 for the University’s first athletic field. In addition, the original campus—East Campus—was donated by the citizens of Kalamazoo, and much of the land upon which the main campus now sits was gifted to the University in 1944 by Anna Carstan Kanley and the Upjohn Foundation.

Now, in the new millennium, private support to the University takes on a greater level of importance. The President’s Circle has been expanded to fulfill its role as the University’s highest form of donor recognition by honoring those whose generosity ensures the future of educational excellence at Western Michigan University.

Donor Recognition Levels

Recognition levels within the President’s Circle are divided into two (2) groups: Lifetime Giving and Annual Giving. All members of the McKee, Pyramid and Keystone Societies are considered lifetime members of the President’s Circle, while members of the Society of 1903 are considered annual members.

Lifetime Giving

The McKee Society includes four (4) levels		The Societies of the Seal includes two (2) levels
Diamond	$1 million	Pyramid Society	$50,000
Gold	$500,000	Keystone Society	$25,000
Silver	$250,000
Bronze	$100,000

Annual Giving

Society of 1903

$2,000

How to Become a President’s Circle Member

Membership in the President’s Circle as a member of the McKee Society, Pyramid Society or Keystone Society, requires minimum lifetime contributions totaling $25,000 or more.

This can be accomplished in a number of ways:

• Through the combination of all past gifts made since 1990, all current pledges and all duly documented future commitments.
• Irrevocable deferred gifts, such as gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts are included at 100 percent of the stated value of the gift.
• Revocable deferred gifts, such as bequests and life insurance, count toward the lifetime giving total so long as the stated value of the deferred gift is at least two (2) times the required minimum cash membership level (e.g., $25,000 cash gift level requires a $50,000 revocable deferred gift).
• In-kind contributions, such as gifts of art, equipment, real estate, etc., count toward the lifetime giving total so long as the stated value of the in-kind gift is at least two (2) times the required minimum cash membership level (e.g., $25,000 cash gift level requires a $50,000 in-kind contribution).

Membership in the President’s Circle as a member of the Society of 1903 requires annual contributions of $2,000 or more and must be received during the University’s fiscal year—July 1 through June 30.

This can be accomplished in the following manner:

• All cash gifts made to WMU departments or programs and any matching gifts received count toward annual membership.
• In-kind contributions, such as gifts of art, equipment, real estate, etc., count toward the annual giving total so long as the stated value of the in-kind contributions is at least two (2) times the required minimum cash membership level (e.g., $2,000 cash gift level requires a $4,000 in-kind contribution).
• Membership will be granted in the fiscal year (i.e., July 1 to June 30) following receipt of the gift.

Planned Giving

WMU Legacy Society Western Michigan University values the generous support of those individuals who have made a gift for the future through their estate and has created a special society to recognize their investment in WMU’s future. The WMU Legacy Society acknowledges the generosity of any individual who has made provisions for WMU through any estate planning tool such as a bequest in a will or trust, charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuity or gift of life insurance. As a Legacy Society member, you will receive a certificate acknowledging your commitment, and periodic updates on University news. But most of all, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to ensure continued excellence for the students, faculty, and outstanding programs at WMU. How to become a WMU Legacy Society member We hope you will tell us when you have included the University in your estate plans. Not only would we like the opportunity to say, “thank you” for your generosity, recognition of your gift may well inspire generosity in others. Letting us know your intentions does not create any obligation on your part, but it does help us to better serve your particular interests and keep you informed of developments at WMU that may be relevant to your gift. Your membership in the WMU Legacy Society, together with your previous contributions, may also qualify you for membership in the President’s Circle, our most prestigious donor recognition society. However, if you choose to remain anonymous, be assured that we will honor your wishes. Whatever the case, please know we appreciate your support.

Additional Information

The President’s Circle is an essential part of the future development of WMU. It offers an opportunity for members to help ensure quality educational programs for all students attending WMU. It is hoped that the President’s Circle will also provide the stimulus for others to share their good fortune.