Thank you for your generous support of Worcester State University!
As a supporter, you help transform the lives of our students, their families, and their communities through the far-reaching impact of higher education.
Your gifts support student scholarships, underwrite student research, promote faculty development, purchase state-of-the-art equipment, expand academic programs, upgrade learning facilities—and so much more.
To celebrate your generosity, Worcester State University has established the following donor recognition societies:
Symbolic of the cornerstone of the State Normal School built on St. Ann’s Hill in 1874, members of The Cornerstone Society today represent the foundation of all major giving to Worcester State. Individuals and organizations that have made total contributions of $100,000 and higher are honored with perpetual membership in The Cornerstone Society. These exceptionally magnanimous individuals and organizations will be recognized at donor recognition events and in University publications and electronic media and will be invited to several donor recognition events, including the Distinguished Donors Reception.
Individuals who demonstrate special devotion and foresight to include Worcester State in their gift planning via a will, annuity, or trust for which the University is the beneficiary are honored with perpetual membership in The 1874 Pillar Society. These donors will be recognized at a donor recognition event, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, in Pillars Society newsletters, and in other University publications and electronic media.
The Founders’ Society owes its name to the men and women who first established the Worcester Normal School, whose dedication to excellence enabled it to flourish and gain distinction. Their leadership led to its transition into Worcester State Teachers College, located on the current Chandler Street campus, and its later transformation into the liberal arts and sciences university we know and love today. Membership is exclusive for individuals and organizations who contribute $25,000 or more annually. These donors will be brought together at a private dinner with the University’s president and will be recognized at a donor recognition event, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, in a donor newsletter, and in other University publications and electronic media.
The Trustees’ Circle is named for the University’s governing board, whose members are pillars of the community who are appointed by the governor. Membership exemplifies the leadership characteristics of vision, wisdom, talent, and resourcefulness synonymous with the type of individuals chosen to serve as Trustees. It is exclusive to those who donate $10,000 to $24,999 annually. These generous benefactors will be invited to join the University president at a show at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts and will be recognized at a donor recognition event, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, in a donor newsletter, and in other University publications and electronic media.
Founded in 1993, The President’s Circle celebrates the individuals and organizations that, like all of the University’s presidents, share an ongoing commitment to providing excellent academic opportunities to all who seek higher education at Worcester State. Membership is open to donors who contribute $1,000 to $9,999 annually. They are recognized with an invitation to join the University president at the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert, with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception, and in the President’s Annual Report.
Purchased from the Tiffany & Co. of New York by the Worcester Normal School Alumni Association in 1913, the Alumni Gates were installed in 1914 to mark the school’s 40th anniversary. The gates stood at the formal entrance to the State Normal School on St. Ann’s Hill and were moved to the current campus in 1932. Located on Chandler Street between the Helen G. Shaughnessy Administration Building and Sullivan Academic Center, they still welcome students today. Individuals and organizations that contribute $500 to $999 annually are honored with membership in The Alumni Tiffany Gates Society. They are recognized with an invitation to a reception in the rotunda of the Administration Building and opening night of the Worcester State Theatre’s fall play as well as in the President’s Annual Report. Members are also invited to the Distinguished Donors Reception.
The year 1932 marks Worcester State University’s move to its Chandler Street campus—the grand opening of what is today called the Helen G. Shaughnessy Administration Building—and the year the state Board of Education approved the new name of Worcester State Teachers College. Worcester State students long identified with the spirit of a sturdy oak tree in their desire to “prevail over every obstacle.” Therefore, the Oak Leaf was adopted as the emblem of the State Normal School, and, upon the move to the new campus, became the name of the yearbook. The University has brought these together to honor those who donate $250 to $499 annually with membership in The 1932 Oak Leaf Society. Members are recognized with an invitation to the Distinguished Donors Reception and in the President’s Annual Report.
Individuals and organizations that have made contributions of $100 to $249 are honored with membership to The Century Club. Members are recognized in the President’s Annual Report.
The Sine Qua Non Society honors faculty and staff donors who have made financial and in-kind donations while giving their time and talent to help students excel. Members are recognized in the President’s Annual Report and at an annual on-campus reception hosted by the Advancement Office.
