By Anthony Castellano
Staff Writer
Despite its top-of-the-line facilities and modern technology, Marywood University is anything but new. In fact, it was established almost 100 years ago, when Woodrow Wilson was the president of the United States and the world’s superpowers were at odds during World War I.
Now, Marywood’s Presidential Society is making sure that this crowning achievement of a one-hundred year anniversary is honored properly. In accordance with this goal, the Presidential Society has changed its name to the 2015 Society to mark Marywood’s upcoming 100 years of existence. The name change went into effect during this fiscal year. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the 2015 Society hosted a dinner on October 18 in honor of its most generous benefactors.
The money raised by the society is used for many different purposes. For example, some of the money that is raised goes towards scholarships, improvement of the Mellow Center, or improvement of the Marian Chapel. In addition, the 2007 Marywood Student Fund funded student scholarships last year. This was based on a poll completed by more than 6,000 alumni in which an overwhelming 93% stated that the area they would most like to fund is student scholarship.
The 2015 Society will recognize the upcoming 100-year anniversary by honoring Marywood University’s most generous benefactors. Recently, the society has changed the gift amount for each Giving Tier. Members can contribute at different tiers of support, with a minimum annual society gift of $1,250. The minimum donation will increase incrementally each fiscal year until the minimum annual level reaches a set goal of $2015 by the 2011-2012 school year. The money donated will have a positive impact on the students at Marywood University and will help them achieve their most important goals.
Ellen Wolfe, Director of Constituency Relations and the Marywood Fund, discussed how important it is to donate money to the clubs (named after past generous benefactors) mentioned below. “The money that is donated always greatly benefits the student body. People often confuse things and think of Marywood as an entity that is receiving the donation, but rather it is the actual student-body that benefits. The people that donate money are being incredibly selfless at the highest level and we must recognize them.”
The Giving Tiers are as follows:
Fiscal Year Minimum 2015 Society Donation
2008-2009 $1,250
2009-2010 $1,500
2010-2011 $1,750
2011-2012 $2,015
Within the 2015 Society are distinct clubs that praise the significant impact you will make by your generous offerings:
The Sister Coleman Nee, IHM Club: named in honor of the former President of Marywood (1970-1988), recognizes benefactors whose annual gifts to the University total $2015 to $4,999 within the fiscal year.
The Sister St. Mary Orr, IHM Club: named in honor of the former president of Marywood (1961-1970), it recognizes benefactors whose annual gifts to the University total $5,000 to $9,999 within the fiscal year.
The Father Louis Gillet Club: named in honor of the co-founder of the IHM Congregation, it recognizes benefactors whose annual gifts to the University total $10,000 to $19,999 within the fiscal year.
The Sister Theresa Maxis, IHM Club: named in honor of the founder of the IHM Congregation, it recognizes benefactors whose annual gifts to the University total $20,000 or more within the fiscal year.
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Giving donations to the 2015 Society to celebrate Marywood University and its impressive past is especially important because of the rich history of the University. According to Wolfe, “We want to try to instill in the benefactors a sense of pride about Marywood. Marywood is celebrating its 100th year of service and its mission is to empower students to serve others. Donating your money is truly a tribute to Marywood University and really promotes a sense of community,” she said.
As Marywood comes nearer to its centennial year, the core values of service and leadership remain the same to this day under the direction of second-year President Sister Ann Munley. Wolfe says, “Sister Ann Munley has done a phenomenal job as president of Marywood University. She will continue to lead the university in a direction of growth and success.”