Valdosta State University's Giving Societies honor and thank the donors who go above and beyond with their contribution to VSU. These individuals have donated a certain amount in the past calendar year and are recognized annually for their generosity. 

ANNUAL GIVING LEVELS

1906 Society

The 1906 Society recognizes the beginning of Valdosta State University's story. In 1906, the foundation was established for what would eventually become Valdosta State University, beginning a legacy of education and opportunity that has impacted generations of students.

More than a century later, the spirit of that beginning continues through the generosity of those who support VSU. Every gift helps build upon the University's history while investing in its future.

The 1906 Society recognizes annual contributions between $1 and $99.

Blazer Society

The Blazer Society celebrates the spirit and pride of Valdosta State University. Inspired by Blaze, the beloved mascot of VSU, the society recognizes donors who demonstrate their commitment to the University and the students it serves.

Blazers share a connection to Valdosta State that extends beyond the classroom. Through their generosity, members of the Blazer Society help support the people, programs and opportunities that continue to move VSU forward.

The Blazer Society recognizes annual contributions between $100 and $499.

 

West Society

The West Society is named in honor of Colonel William Stanley West. Colonel West helped introduce the first bill to the Georgia Legislature to establish a college in Valdosta.

West Hall and its iconic dome remain signatures of Valdosta State University. For generations, West Hall has represented the University's history and the gateway to the possibilities that a VSU education offers.

The West Society recognizes annual contributions between $500 and $999.

  

Palm Society

The Palm Society is inspired by the beautiful palm trees that line the historic front campus walkway at Valdosta State University. For generations, these palms have welcomed students, alumni and visitors to campus and have become a recognizable part of the VSU landscape.

Much like the stately palms that continue to grow and flourish on campus, giving relationships begin and grow over time. The Palm Society recognizes donors whose generosity strengthens Valdosta State University and helps create opportunities for future generations.

The Palm Society recognizes annual contributions between $1,000 and $2,499.

 

Dean's Society

The Dean's Society recognizes donors whose generosity supports the academic mission of Valdosta State University.

Named in honor of the academic leaders who guide VSU's colleges, the Dean's Society represents a commitment to academic excellence, student success and the continued growth of the University. Through their generosity, members help provide opportunities that strengthen VSU's colleges, programs, faculty and students.

The Dean's Society recognizes annual contributions between $2,500 and $9,999.

 

Steele Society

The Steele Society recognizes donors who make a significant investment in Valdosta State University.

Named in honor of Rea and Lillian Steele, whose generosity made a lasting impact on VSU, the Steele Society celebrates the spirit of philanthropy and a commitment to future generations of students. The Steeles' legacy is reflected in the naming of the Rea and Lillian Steele North Campus, home to the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.

The Steele Society recognizes annual contributions between $10,000 and $24,999.

  

President's Society

Membership in the VSU President's Society is reserved for donors who have made a personal commitment to the mission and future of Valdosta State University through their extraordinary annual generosity.

President's Society members are a diverse group of leaders who share a common commitment to promoting excellence at VSU. Their support helps advance the University's priorities and provides transformational opportunities for students.

The President's Society recognizes annual contributions between $25,000 and $99,999.

 

Dome Society

The Dome Society represents the highest level of annual giving recognition at Valdosta State University.

Named for the iconic dome of historic West Hall, one of the University's most recognizable symbols, the Dome Society honors donors whose extraordinary generosity makes a transformational impact on VSU. Like the dome that has stood as a symbol of the University for generations, members of the Dome Society leave a lasting mark on Valdosta State and help shape its future.

The Dome Society recognizes annual contributions of $100,000 or more.

 

LIFETIME GIVING LEVELS

Recognition based on cumulative lifetime giving to VSU.

 

Pearson Circle

Each donor has a unique story. The Pearson Circle, named after retired Professor of History Dr. F. Lamar Pearson, has a story as well.

Dr. Pearson taught at VSU for 39 years and made annual gifts to the University throughout his career. His gifts began modestly and grew over time. Over the course of his career, Dr. Pearson's generosity totaled more than $100,000.

The Pearson Circle is established to recognize a lifetime commitment to Valdosta State University and to celebrate the lasting impact of generosity over time.

The Pearson Circle recognizes donors who have made cumulative lifetime contributions between $100,000 and $499,999.

 

Bailey Circle

The Bailey Circle is named in honor of Dr. Hugh C. Bailey, whose 23 years of leadership marked one of the most transformative periods in the history of Valdosta State University.

Serving as president from 1978 to 2001, Dr. Bailey guided Valdosta State through a period of tremendous growth. During his tenure, enrollment doubled, academic programs expanded, doctoral programs and football were introduced, and the institution achieved university status in 1993. His vision and leadership helped shape Valdosta State University into the institution it is today.

The Bailey Circle honors donors whose extraordinary lifetime generosity creates a lasting and transformative impact on Valdosta State University.

The Bailey Circle recognizes donors who have made cumulative lifetime contributions between $500,000 and $999,999.

 

Gertrude Odum Circle

The Gertrude Odum Circle represents the highest level of lifetime giving recognition at Valdosta State University.

Named for former English Professor Gertrude Odum, the circle honors a legacy of extraordinary generosity and lasting impact. Through a bequest in her will, Gertrude Odum gave Valdosta State University its first million-dollar gift, creating a legacy that continues to inspire philanthropy at VSU.

The Gertrude Odum Circle recognizes donors whose transformational generosity helps ensure that Valdosta State University can continue to impact students and future generations.

The Gertrude Odum Circle recognizes donors who have made cumulative lifetime contributions of $1 million or more.

 

PLANNED GIVING SOCIETY

Recognition for donors who include VSU in their estate or other planned gift arrangements.

The Jenkins Society

The Jenkins Society recognizes and honors individuals who have made provisions for future generations of VSU students and faculty through planned gifts.

Named for retired faculty member Dr. Brantley Jenkins and his wife, Barbara, the society recognizes their transformational estate gift and their lasting commitment to Valdosta State University. Their generosity has created opportunities for future generations and serves as an example of the lasting impact of thoughtful philanthropy. The Jenkins Society celebrates those who make a commitment to the future of VSU through their estate plans and other planned gifts.

The Jenkins Society recognizes individuals who have made provisions for Valdosta State University through a planned gift.