Generous benefactors who invest in IUP students at a level bearing giving society distinction understand that philanthropy opens the doors of opportunity for students—doors that otherwise may never be opened. Members of our giving societies partner with
the university to build the foundation for student success. Their investments enable IUP to grow and to flourish.
IUP has three giving societies:
IUP Leadership Society
IUP Loyalty Society
Oak Grove
Learn about how matching gifts can multiply the impact of your gift!
IUP
Leadership Society
At IUP, important work is being done each day. The students who walk through the Oak Grove today will be the nurses, safety professionals, teachers, linguists, social workers, scientists, musicians, and business leaders who enable our society to progress tomorrow. Your leadership-level gift will
provide the university with resources to equip these students with the knowledge and experiences they need to confidently go forth to achieve their dreams and ultimately make our world a better place.
IUP Leadership Society members are those alumni, family, friends, and employees who have made gifts of $1000 or more to benefit the Foundation for IUP. Graduates of ten or fewer years are invited to join the IUP Leadership Society at a specially tiered level.
IUP Leadership Society membership is calculated based upon the sum total of cumulative and matching gifts received between July 1 and June 30 each year.
The following councils comprise the society.
1875 Founders Council
$25,000+
Silas Clark, John Sutton, Andrew Wilson, Alex Stewart, and Harry White were among those who sought to establish a higher education institution for the common good by raising $50,000 in subscriptions for the local normal school association. Their actions compelled Pennsylvania’s legislature to allocate
funds to build the school’s first building and facilitate the opening of Indiana State Normal School in 1875. This giving level reflects their inspiration and aspirations for providing the best possible opportunities for young people.
John Sutton Council
$10,000+
IUP’s central campus is situated on land once owned by John Sutton, a founding member of the local normal school association and first board president of Indiana Normal School. He was revered for his contributions to the school and the community. Normal School trustees adopted a resolution stating, “So long as
the Indiana Normal School of Pennsylvania exists, John Sutton will be remembered as one of its founders—as one of its first and best friends.” Like John Sutton, those who provide philanthropic support at this level are dedicated to the university’s mission and recognize its value to society.
Willis Pratt Council
$5,000+
Willis E. Pratt, IUP’s longest-sitting president, was known as an innovative and progressive thinker who led the university’s transformation from a college to a university. Pratt himself had an illustrious career in education on the world stage. During World War II, he gave up his college president’s post to
serve in the U.S. Army in the Mediterranean region. Afterward, he oversaw the restoration of schools and universities in Italy. Dr. Pratt returned from his military duties to become president of Indiana State Teachers College. Members of the Willis Pratt Council believe that innovative education can transform
society.
Trustees Council
$2,500+
Appointed by the governor, Council of Trustees members uphold the highest standards and ensure the university continues to uphold the public’s trust. Philanthropic investment at this level ensures academic and extracurricular programs are robust and that students have access to scholarship support they
need not only to cover tuition but also for life-changing experiences such as study abroad and internships.
Presidents Council
$1,000+
The university’s top ambassador, the university’s president sets strategic goals and has the ultimate responsibility in ensuring IUP not only remains vibrant but is prepared to continue thriving through the best and the most uncertain of times. Support at the Presidents Council level creates a
foundation to sustain the university and always respond to society’s needs.
Hawks Council
$250-$499 for graduates of five or fewer years; $500-$999 for graduates of six to ten years
Full of ideals, graduates of the last decade are tomorrow’s leaders as well as recent Leadership benefactors. Because of their first-person understanding of the impact philanthropic generosity has on students, they, too, regard investing in their university a priority. Gifts at this level
symbolize their trust in the university and their reciprocal commitment to a lifelong relationship with IUP.
IUP Loyalty Society
Those who invest in IUP students and programs for three consecutive years or more are recognized as members of the IUP Loyalty Society. The consistent generosity of Loyalty Society members lays the foundation for long term growth as the university
prepares to implement its strategic plan. Members of the IUP community are grateful for your steadfast support.
IUP Loyalty Society association is sustained when gifts are made to IUP for three or more fiscal years (July 1 to June 30) without interruption.
Oak Grove Society
Oak Grove Society recognizes those who have made estate gifts to the Foundation for IUP or reported they are remembering the Foundation in their future estate and financial plans. It also recognizes people who have made gifts of $1 million or more over the course of their tenure of giving to IUP.
The Oak Grove is the heart of the original campus—the main focal point around which the university is built. Rooted in deep tradition, the Oak Grove continues to serve as a central gathering place for the university community for leisurely moments as well as for special activities and noteworthy events. Likewise, the membership of the Oak Grove Society is built upon the foundation of support from bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, life insurance, and other gifts that individuals have made or intend to make in the future through their estate and financial plans.
Matching Gifts
Many corporations sponsor matching gift programs, meaning they are willing to match the charitable donations their current, and sometimes even retired, employees make. If your employer has a matching gift program, your gift’s impact could easily be doubled. When you make your gift or pledge online, you will find access to
IUP’s matching gift database, www.matchinggifts.com/iup, which can help you determine if your gift will be match eligible.