Clemson honors the leadership and dedication of the University's most generous supporters through seven Cumulative Gift Societies.
Membership is determined by cumulative support, including annual contributions and gifts and commitments to capital or endowment projects. Membership benefits for all of the societies include invitations to special on- and off-campus events; annual listing in Clemson's Honor Roll and in the Cumulative Gift Societies and Major Gift Clubs Membership Roster; mailings and publications; and a certificate of induction presented in a personalized case.
CENTUM II SOCIETY
LIFETIME CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF $10,000,000 OR MORE
The Centum II Society reflects the critical importance of private gifts during the second century of Clemson University, as Mr. Clemson's "high seminary of learning" becomes one of the nation's top-20 public universities. Members of the Centum II Society receive a personalized display containing a silver dollar minted in 1889 - the year Clemson Agricultural College was founded.
TRUSTEE OAK SOCIETY
LIFETIME CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF $5,000,000 - $9,999,999
When Clemson trustees held their first meeting -- under a red oak on the lawn of Mr. Clemson's Fort Hill home on May 2, 1888 -- it is unlikely that even the most visionary among them could have imagined the university that would emerge in the founder's backyard. Members of the Trustee Oak Society receive a personalized award displaying an authentic, naturally preserved acorn and leaf from the Second Century Oak, a commemorative Southern red oak tree planted at the site of the original Trustee Oak.
THOMAS GREEN CLEMSON SOCIETY
LIFETIME CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF $1,000,000 - $4,999,999
Clemson University exists because one man -- Thomas Green Clemson -- imagined a better future and took action to make that future possible. Members of this society receive a personalized Thomas Green Clemson Society ring or charm, which is similar in design to the Clemson class ring.
JOHN C. CALHOUN SOCIETY
LIFETIME CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF $500,000 - $999,999
Renowned statesman John C. Calhoun was Thomas Green Clemson's father-in-law and mentor. Calhoun was the owner and resident of Fort Hill from 1828 until 1850. He was also one of the most influential public figures of his time. The symbol of appreciation for the Calhoun Society is a limited-edition bound volume of sketches by James F. Barker, FAIA, the 14th president of Clemson University.
RICHARD W. SIMPSON SOCIETY
LIFETIME CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF $250,000 - $499,999
Col. Richard Wright Simpson was the person in whom Mr. Clemson entrusted "the great responsibility and labor" of settling his estate, including the establishment of Clemson College. In appreciation for their investment in Clemson's future, members of the Simpson Society receive a handsome certificate of induction bearing the University seal. The certificate comes in a personalized case in which the donor's photograph, taken at the time of induction, may also be displayed.
BENJAMIN RYAN TILLMAN SOCIETY
LIFETIME CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF $100,000 - $249,999
Benjamin Ryan Tillman, who advocated the establishment of Clemson College, was one of its original trustees and a governor of South Carolina. In appreciation for their commitment, members of the Tillman Society receive a handsome certificate of induction bearing the University seal. The certificate is presented in a personalized case in which the donor's photograph, taken at the time of induction, may also be displayed.
BENEFACTORS OF 1889
LIFETIME CUMULATIVE CASH CONTRIBUTIONS OF $50,000 OR MORE
Donors who reach this significant milestone of cash contributions parallel Thomas Green Clemson's cash gift for the establishment of Clemson College. In appreciation of attaining this level, they receive a matted and framed copy of Clemson President James F. Barker's sketch of Tillman Hall as seen from the window of the President's Office in Sikes Hall.