Giving Societies

Lifetime and annual giving societies honor commitment to Connecticut College. These societies recognize leadership in expanding the College's academic programs, providing facilities that are beautiful and inspiring, and encouraging excellence in faculty, staff and students.

The Ad Astra Society

Ad Astra Society, founded in 1996, honors donors who have made lifetime gifts or commitments of $1 million or more. In Latin, Ad Astra means "to the stars." The generosity of these supporters enables the Connecticut College community to reach for the stars.

The Ad Astra Garden, dedicated in 1997, is a campus landmark. The garden is a gift from Susan Eckert Lynch '62 and was given in memory of her mother. Names of Ad Astra members are engraved on stone benches that surround a sundial-fountain designed by sculptor David Smalley, Henry B. Plant Emeritus Professor of Art. The Ad Astra Society has 53 members.

1911 Society

The 1911 Society honors annual giving with the following gift societies:

Centennial Circle ($100,000 or more)
This gift society was formed in 2005 to honor the College's annual leadership supporters and the momentum they provide as the College approaches its Centennial in 2011.
Morton Plant Circle ($50,000 to $99,999)
Morton Plant was the first chair of the Board of Trustees and the College's first major benefactor. He started the endowment with a gift of $1 million and provided gifts for several College buildings, including Plant, Blackstone and Branford houses.
President's Circle ($25,000 to $49,999)
This gift society honors the College's presidents. The leadership of each has shaped the College and moved it forward.
Harkness Circle ($10,000 to $24,999)
Mary Stillman Harkness was one of the College's most devoted supporters in the 1930s and '40s, when it was transformed into a national institution. Harkness House and Harkness Chapel are legacies of her philanthropy.
The Laurels ($1,911 to $9,999)
The laurel leaf, a symbol of academic achievement, is a fitting tribute to Connecticut College alumni, parents and friends/.

Horizon Society

The Horizon Society recognizes continuous annual giving for alumni in the classes of 1987 though the present. The Society has more than 600 members.

Rosemary Park Society

The Rosemary Park Society, formerly the Heritage Society, honors those who have made a planned gift to the College. The Society is named for the College's fifth President: a strong leader who understood that fundraising must be an educational priority.

Last Modified: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:15