Annual donors are recognized at the following giving levels:

What is the 1863 Society?

The 1863 Society is Saint Mary's new program to recognize donors' cumulative gifts to the College of $1,863 or more during any one fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The 1863 Society replaces the President's Club, effective July 1, 2011.

Why is it called 1863 Society?

Saint Mary's will celebrate its 150th Anniversary during the 2012-13 academic year. The 1863 Society is named to honor the founding year of the College.

Will I be recognized in the 1863 Society in 2011-12 if I was a $1,500 President's Club donor in 2010-11?

Yes. Since gifts come in throughout the course of a year, we look back a year to recognize donors.

Will my President's Club participation transfer to the 1863 Society?

Recognition in the 1863 Society occurs annually, based on Saint Mary's fiscal year which begins July 1. Once your giving reaches $1,863, you will be recognized in the 1863 Society for that year.

What does "annual giving" mean?

The term "annual giving" refers to gifts made to the College during the fiscal year to any fund, school or program. It is also used to refer to donors' recurrent giving on an annual basis. Donations to annual funds give the College the flexibility to seize new opportunities and manage the school's most rpessing and immediate needs. All gifts given throughout the fiscal year are included toward recognition in the 1863 Society.

What is the President's Circle?

The President's Circle is a new leadership recognition level that honors donors who give $5,000 or more to the College annually. In addition to being recognized at the 1863 Society level, donors to the President's Circle also are honored at an annual black-tie dinner and will have their names featured on a donor wall on campus. Lifetime giving of $1 million or more will be recognized at the Founder's Circle level.

Which gifts count toward the 1863 Society and President's Circle?

All gifts made during the fiscal year count toward 1863 Society and/or President's Circle including, outright gifts, corporate matching gifts (for instance, those from your employer), pledges, sponsorships, auction donations and other gifts-in-kind. All gifts in these categories to any fund, school or program apply (for example, the SEBA Dean's Circle, Tip-Off Club, basketball season ticket donations, etc.).

Why is annual giving to Saint Mary's important?

Every gift to Saint Mary's is sincerely appreciated. Tuition and fees cover approximately 90% of the College's operating expenses. Annual gifts enable us to advance the College and support programs that are the foundation of Saint Mary's unique educational experience.

For further information about President's Circle and 1863 Society, contact Daniel G. Lewis '00, Director of Development, Individual Giving, at (925) 631-4616.