Donor Recognition
The 1867 Giving Societies
The 1867 Giving Societies
Johnson C. Smith University’s rich legacy is rooted in its founding in 1867. The six societies that make up the 1867 Giving Societies recognize the cumulative giving of our most generous donors since January 2000.
Members of the 1867 Giving Societies make a difference in the lives of JCSU students, and their contributions are vital to the continuing excellence of the University. Membership is reserved for the university's most generous benefactors.
Upon reaching a cumulative total of $10,000 to JCSU, donors are recognized with membership.
There are six membership levels within the 1867 Giving Societies:
Smith Society
Named in honor of the University’s most influential donor, Mrs. Johnson C. Smith.
Cumulative gifts ranging from $1 million and up
Biddle Society
Named in honor of Major Henry J. Biddle whose widow’s sizable gift to the then Freedmen’s College of North Carolina precipitated a name change to Biddle Memorial Institute.
Cumulative gifts ranging from $500,000 - $999,999
Golden Bull Society
Named in honor of the University’s golden bull mascot – the embodiment of pride, spirit and association with Johnson C. Smith University.
Cumulative gifts ranging from $100,000 - $499,999
Duke Society
Named in honor of James B. Duke, who included Johnson C. Smith University in the Duke Endowment in 1924.
Cumulative gifts ranging from $50,000 - $99,999
Myers Society
Named in honor of Col. William R. Myers’ gift of eight acres of land to establish a permanent site for the then Biddle Memorial Institute.
Cumulative gifts ranging from $25,000 - $49,999
Sanders Society
Named in honor of Dr. Daniel J. Sanders, the first African- American President of Johnson C. Smith University.
Cumulative gifts ranging from $10,000 - $24,999
All gifts (and any matching employer gifts) count towards membership level totals, regardless of gift date or designation, including support directed to JCSU Athletics and the JCSU Alumni Association.
If you would like further information, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 704.378.1020 or advancement@jcsu.edu.
