A new set of Bentley Fund donor recognition societies broadens and deepens recognition of alumni, parents and friends who support the university. Replacing the President’s Club Leadership Society, the different circles, councils and societies share a fundamental message: Every donor is valued and important.
“Our donors were telling us it was time to update our gift recognition program. Leadership donors asked for more categories of support – a broader array of giving levels to help advance the mission of the university,” explains John W. Mosser, vice president for development, corporate and alumni relations. “Our donors also asked us to share more stories about the immediate impact of their Bentley Fund gifts on expanding educational opportunities for students.”
The feedback spurred Mosser and his Development colleagues to action.
“We wanted to recognize anyone who makes any kind of gift,” says Bill Bennett, managing director of the Bentley Fund. “ We are saying to every donor, ‘Your gift is a tangible expression of your loyalty and school spirit. Each and every gift makes a difference and we appreciate it. Thank you!’”
Unique Character
The retooling efforts created two levels of donor recognition societies. The “Loyalty to Bentley” societies recognize donors of gifts up to $2,499. Leadership-level gifts of $2,500 or more are acknowledged through the “Bentley Founders” recognition societies.
In naming the new societies, the Development staff set aside the Olympics-inspired names of former President’s Club giving levels – bronze, silver, gold – in favor of those that hew more closely to the unique landmarks and traditions of the university. For example, the Loyalty to Bentley series begins with the Blue and Gold Spirit Society, then moves “up campus” through the Bentley Bridge Society (named for the familiar landmark over Beaver Street) to the Quadrangle Society to the uppermost Clock Tower Society.
At a higher level, the Bentley Founders Leadership Donors Recognition Societies are a nod to the students who, in 1917, volunteered time and money to help Harry Clark Bentley build his school of finance and accounting. Those first donors called themselves the Bentley Associates – now the first rung of the Bentley Founders leadership ladder.
“We want to tie our history to our future,” Mosser says of the Associates designation. “Those students in 1917 banded together to help further the school’s mission. That’s what alumni, parents and friends do today, and we want them to know we appreciate it.”
Consistent Commitment
As always, matching gifts from employers and other organizations count toward determining donor recognition levels. So, for example, a $2,500 commitment matched at 100 percent would bring a donor into the Dean’s Council.
Two other societies round out the new structure: the Emerging Associates Club, for alumni who donate $1,000 in any of their first five years after graduation; and the Cornerstone Community, whose members renew their support of Bentley for three or more consecutive years.
“Donors who give every year are the cornerstone of Bentley’s financial strength,” says Bennett. “This type of consistent giving is what allows Bentley to build the quality and innovation in all our educational programs.”
Development team member Megan McAuley ’98, ’04 MBA is coordinating the new recognition societies.