Throughout its history, the University of Miami has been the proud and grateful recipient of magnificent generosity from friends of higher education. Our loyal supporters have established a wonderful tradition of giving to the University.
In 1966, the Board of Trustees established the Society of University Founders to honor those individuals, families, corporations, foundations and organizations having contributed $50,000 or more to the University.
In 1983, the further distinction of Grand Founder was added in recognition of the growing number of contributions in excess of $100,000.
In 1985, the Board of Trustees inaugurated three additional donor societies:
The launch of Momentum: The Campaign for the University of Miami saw the creation of new donor societies to recognize those extraordinary benefactors who have transformed the University through their generosity.
The Anastasia Society
During the 1920s and early ‘30s, the University of Miami was just beginning to establish its roots in what was then rural South Florida. At the heart of the developing campus was the Anastasia Building – the hub of campus life and scholarly study. Over the years, the Anastasia Building, also known as the “Cardboard College,” served many purposes as both the tangible and symbolic foundation of the young and growing University.
With contributions totaling more than $100 million, Anastasia Society members support the University’s quest to accelerate progress, empower learning, intensify its impact on our world, and continue this momentum for future generations.
The Millennium Society
The Millennium Society honors those whose commitments to the University of Miami have reached $50 million and above.
With their extraordinary philanthropy and spirit of devotion, members of The Millennium Society lay the foundation for the University of Miami’s future in this millennium and beyond. They also take their rightful place alongside such visionaries as George Merrick, Bowman Foster Ashe, Henry King Stanford, and others as pivotal figures in the University’s proud history.
The Miami Society
The world is changing rapidly, and Miami is setting the pace for that change.
The Miami Society honors individuals who are inspired by the University’s impressive past and wish to secure its future as one of the nation’s great academic institutions. Each has made commitments to the University totaling $10 million or more.
Since the University was founded, the largesse of philanthropists has helped shape its history. Advances in research, student scholarships and state-of-the-art facilities are made possible in part by dedicated donors. The University’s continuing success is bolstered by the leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment of individuals whose generosity has earned them membership in The Miami Society.
The Gables Society
In 1925 two significant milestones – the granting of charters to the nascent University of Miami and the new City of Coral Gables – led to the launch of “The University of Miami—The Great Outdoor University at Coral Gables.” Over the years, the University developed into South Florida’s primary intellectual engine, and The City Beautiful flourished as a dynamic business and cultural center. Their destinies forever entwined, Coral Gables and the University of Miami benefited from the time, talent, and resources of men and women of great vision and determination.
The Gables Society honors this shared past and celebrates a promising future by recognizing those who have generously contributed $5 million and above to the University of Miami.
The George E. Merrick Society
The George E. Merrick Society is named after the founder of both the city of Coral Gables and the University of Miami. The eldest son of one of the area's pioneers, Merrick joined with Judge William E. Walsh, William Jennings Bryan, and other community leaders to formulate the university's original charter.
The George E. Merrick Society honors those whose commitments to the University have reached $1 million and above.
The Bowman Foster Ashe Society
The Bowman Foster Ashe Society is named for the founding president of the University, who was both an educator and an acclaimed attorney. President Ashe guided the early University of Miami through the difficult days of the Great Depression to the booming '50s, when the student population exceeded 10,000 and the University's initial educational programs had blossomed into a comprehensive spectrum, including Florida's first School of Medicine.
The Bowman Foster Ashe Society recognizes individuals, families, corporations, foundations and organizations with total commitments to the University of $500,000 and above.
The Ibis Society
The Ibis Society is named for the University of Miami's mascot, the Ibis – an ancient symbol of enlightenment. Early Egyptians used the Ibis as a symbol of wisdom, and the modern White Ibis is native to South Florida.
The Ibis Society honors those whose total commitment to the University has reached at least $250,000.
The Society of University Founders
The Society of University Founders is the oldest recognized donor society at the University of Miami, beginning with 140 charter members in 1966. The category of Grand Founder was added in 1983.
While “founder” suggests the early years of the University, the Society of University Founders echoes the nature of the University as a living, growing entity. As the University of Miami progresses through the growth of its programs, so will the Society flourish as new members join.
Founders are those whose total commitment to the University is $50,000 or more. Grand Founders are those whose total commitment exceeds $100,000.