1906 Society Invites Students to Contribute to VSU's Future

1906 Society members at Valdosta State University receive a red and black cord to wear during commencement ceremonies. During this 2025-2026 academic year, 133 students joined this student-giving organization.

VALDOSTA — The 1906 Society continues to serve as Valdosta State University's graduating senior giving program, encouraging students to leave a lasting impact on the university while beginning their journey as alumni donors. The program provides graduating seniors with an opportunity to support future generations of Blazers through a meaningful philanthropic contribution before graduation, reinforcing the idea that giving back is not something reserved for later in life, but something that can begin during the student experience itself.

The 1906 Society emphasizes student impact, paying it forward, tradition, pride in supporting future Blazers, and building a culture of philanthropy before graduation. This approach reframes giving as a shared responsibility and a collective student tradition, where each class contributes to the next. 

The program also focuses on redefining what it means to participate. The 1906 Society positions giving as an act of pride, gratitude, and belonging. Students are invited to see themselves as part of something larger than their individual college experience, a continuous cycle of support where today’s students help shape tomorrow’s Blazers.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, 133 graduating seniors joined the 1906 Society, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back to the university that helped shape their college experience. This participation reflects a growing and evolving culture of philanthropy among students and helps establish the foundation for lifelong engagement and annual giving after graduation. Each student who participates contributes to a growing legacy of generosity, reinforcing the idea that even small acts of giving, when combined, create meaningful and lasting institutional impact. Members who demonstrate their commitment to supporting VSU receive a red and black 1906 Society graduation cord. 

More importantly, participation is about students supporting students. They are affirming their place within the university community and recognizing the role VSU played in their personal, academic, and professional development. This shift helps transform the program from a simple senior initiative into a defining part of the student experience. The program’s primary goal is to educate students on the value of philanthropy and inspire future giving by creating positive connections to advancement efforts before they become alumni.