Iona University Giving Clubs and Societies
Iona University is grateful to recognize the extraordinary generosity and enduring commitment of our donors through our distinguished giving clubs and societies.
Ginkgo Society
The Ginkgo Society is a prestigious giving club at Iona, dedicated to recognizing the generosity, leadership, and commitment of donors who have made lifetime gifts totaling $100,000 or more. Named after the resilient and enduring ginkgo tree on the New Rochelle campus, the society celebrates those who have made significant contributions that have helped the University achieve its greatest aspirations.
The Ginkgo Society recognizes lifetime cumulative giving to any area of the University. All gifts made to Iona count toward lifetime giving totals. Once the $100,000 threshold is reached, membership in the Ginkgo Society is permanent. Members will be forever recognized for their lifetime of loyal support.
Ginkgo Society Levels
• Driscoll: $100,000 to $499,999
Named for Br. John G. Driscoll, who served as Iona's President from 1971-1994 and led the University through a period of significant growth and advancement.
• Edmund Rice: $500,000 to $999,999
Blessed Edmund Rice was an Irish Catholic missionary and educator who founded the Congregation of Christian Brothers in 1802. He dedicated his life to providing education to poor children in Ireland.
• Doorley: $1 million and above
Celebrating Br. Joseph Ignatius Doorley (1878-1950) who created the first Iona schools and subsequently purchased the land that would become the Iona campus in New Rochelle, forever shaping the University's future.
President's circle
The President's Circle stands as our premiere giving society, representing the pinnacle of annual philanthropic excellence at Iona University. This distinguished circle brings together our most generous and visionary annual supporters whose remarkable commitment drives innovation, enhances academic programs, and creates life-changing opportunities for our students. Members of the President's Circle demonstrate unwavering dedication to Iona's mission through their transformative investments.
Membership in the President's Circle is renewed annually. All annual gifts totaling $1,000 and above to any area of the University during Iona's fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) qualify for membership. Recognition is granted for the fiscal year in which the gifts are made.
President's Circle Levels:
• Maroon & Gold: $1,000 to $1,939 Iona's colors of maroon and gold represent the pride, tradition, and excellence that define the Gael community and embody the spirit of Iona University.
• 1940 Club: $1,940 to $4,999 Celebrates the year Iona was founded, marking the beginning of the University’s proud tradition of academic excellence and service.
• 563 Society: $5,000 and above Named in honor of the year 563 A.D., when St. Columba arrived on the Isle of Iona and established his first Celtic church and monastic community, an event central to the University's heritage.
Loyal Gaels Society
The Loyal Gaels Society celebrates the enduring commitment of donors who have generously supported Iona University through their consistent giving over multiple years. This society recognizes years of giving, honoring those whose sustained philanthropy demonstrates unwavering dedication to Iona's mission and students.
Symbolized by the official tartan of Iona University, the MacLean of Duart Modern Tartan, this society embodies dedication and fidelity. Members of the Loyal Gaels Society are our most faithful benefactors, whose consistent contributions play a crucial role in the success of Iona and our students.
Donors who contribute any size gift to any fund or area of the University for 2 or more years are automatically included in the Loyal Gaels Society. Membership is based on gifts made during Iona's fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Once achieved, the 20-year lifetime membership in the Loyal Gaels Society is permanent, and members will be forever recognized for their loyal support.
Loyal Gaels Society Levels:
• Charter Member: 2-9 years of giving
• Milestone Member: 10-19 years of giving
• Lifetime Member: 20+ years of giving
St. Columba society
The St. Columba Society honors the visionary donors who have made planned gifts to support the University's future. Named after St. Columba, a symbol of faith, wisdom, and foresight, this society recognizes those whose thoughtful generosity ensures the long-term sustainability and growth of Iona University. Members of the St. Columba Society demonstrate a profound commitment to Iona's mission, leaving a lasting legacy that will ensure the University continues to thrive and provide transformative educational experiences for future generations of students.
Donors who make a planned gift of any size to Iona and confirm the gift in writing are included in the St. Columba Society. Once achieved, membership in the St. Columba Society is permanent, and members will be forever recognized for their foresight and generosity.
The following types of commitments qualify donors for membership in the St. Columba Society:
• A bequest in your will or revocable trust
• A life-income gift that names Iona University as a remainder beneficiary, such as a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity
• A charitable lead trust that provides income to Iona University for a donor's lifetime or a term of years
• A gift or assignment of qualified retirement plan assets, such as an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b)