Giving Societies

Members of The James Edward Oglethorpe Circle are among the most generous and loyal university benefactors.

Supporting students and faculty, academics, performing arts and athletics, facilities and more, Circle members are a vital part of OU’s success. The James Edward Oglethorpe Circle recognizes individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to the annual funds during the university’s fiscal year. We are deeply grateful to all members for supporting students and faculty, academics, performing arts and athletics, facilities and more.

Donor recognition levels within the James Edward Oglethorpe Circle include:

• The Sidney Lanier Society – $1,000 – $2,499
• The John Thomas Lupton Society – $2,500 – $4,999
• The Philip Weltner Society – $5,000 – $9,999
• The Thornwell Jacobs Society – $10,000 – $19,999
• The Pheobe Apperson Hearst Society – $20,000+

Be a part of Oglethorpe’s next generation of alumni leaders. The Young James Edward Oglethorpe Circle recognizes graduates of the last 10 years who set a standard for their peers through their involvement and philanthropic support of OU.

The Young James Edward Oglethorpe Circle recognizes graduates of the last 10 years who contribute the following amount to the annual funds during the university’s fiscal year.

Donor recognition levels include:

• 1 Year Post Graduation (Class of 2024) – $100+ Annually
• 2-5 Years Post Graduation (Classes 2023 – 2020) – $250+ Annually
• 6-10 Years Post Graduation (Classes 2019 – 2015) – $500+ Annually

The Carillon Club exists to allow Oglethorpe to distinguish and offer special acknowledgment to those individuals – alumni, parents and friends – who support the University through consecutive annual philanthropy. Ongoing philanthropy by consecutive donors strengthens the University’s ability to create and sustain academic programs, launch outreach initiatives that improve the community and provide educational opportunities for deserving students.

The goal of the Carillon Club is to encourage consecutive years of philanthropy regardless of the monetary amount. Donors qualify for membership in the Carillon Club upon their third consecutive year of making a gift to the University and membership is maintained as long as the donor makes at least one gift each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

The Gray Stone Society, named for the signature granite in our historic campus buildings, recognizes those generous donors to Oglethorpe University whose total philanthropic commitments have reached $1 million. Oglethorpe University’s Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students gratefully thank these donors, whose generosity has strengthened and sustained this institution – built on enduring granite and nourished by the Gray Stone members.

“Neskeets,” as members are affectionately known, will not give up on Oglethorpe. They have remembered the University in their estate plans to ensure its success in the future. The phrase closes out the Alma Mater and is a suitable name for the society of those who have made bequests and other planned gifts to the university. Those highly personal and enduring gifts ensure the long-term security of Oglethorpe.

Nescit Cedere, a Latin phrase pronounced “nes-keet keh-deh-reh,” was taken from the Oglethorpe family crest as the University’s motto. It translates as “he does not know how to give up” and perfectly captures the pride and tenacity of those who give loyally to Oglethorpe and sustain it through good times and bad.

Eligible gifts include:

• Bequests and other estate gifts
• IRA’s and other retirement plans
• Charitable Gift Annuities
• Charitable Remainder Trusts
• Gifts of Residence or Farm with Retained Life Estate
• Charitable Lead Trusts
• Life Insurance Policies

ALMA MATER
Our dear Alma Mater, To you we sing our praise.
Your gray stone and mortar give strength for the coming days.
Then like the Petrel, feet near the ocean, We’ll rise thru wind and rain.
Yes, Oglethorpe, you’re here to remind us: Nescit Cedere