New Giving Societies to Launch

A longstanding tradition at Oswego is the President’s Circle giving societies, which recognize Oswego’s most loyal supporters. For the first time since their establishment in 1984, the giving society levels will change July 1, 2013.

“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.