The Presidents’ Circle provides philanthropic leadership and vital support for the Colgate education and experience of today and tomorrow.
The Presidents’ Circle is made up of supporters who believe in the power of higher education to change the world. Through their contributions, members lead the Colgate community in establishing a culture of giving that has a profound impact on the University, faculty, and students. Members enjoy connecting with each other and with Colgate leaders at exclusive events, both on and off campus.
The Presidents’ Circle’s engagement with Colgate helps ensure its continuing strength and is an integral part of its ever-increasing reach and reputation.
President Brian W. Casey
Honor the Tradition. Shape the Third Century.
Your gift is an investment in today’s students and the future they will help to shape. You make it possible for Colgate to pursue the bold ambitions of its Third-Century Plan.
98%
of total fundraising dollars were contributed by Presidents’ Circle members
375
Number of Presidents’ Circle Parent members as of Fiscal Year ’23
2,396
Number of Presidents’ Circle Alumni Members as of Fiscal Year ’23
Join the Presidents’ Circle
You can make the entire gift right now, or you have the option to divide your gift into as many installments as you choose between now and June 30.
For additional assistance with making your gift or any other questions, please contact Myria Allen, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, at maallen@colgate.edu or 315-228-7823.
Presidents’ Circle Giving Levels
Presidents’ Circle Giving Levels
$1,000,000 James B. Colgate Society (Cumulative lifetime gifts)
$2,500 Member (Classes of 1972 to 2014; parents; grandparents; master’s degree recipients; and friends)
$1,000 Member (Classes prior to 1972; Colgate faculty and staff)
Giving Levels for Recent Alumni
Classes of 2015–2024
$1,000 Class of 2015
$750 Classes of 2016 and 2017
$500 Classes of 2018 and 2019
$300 Classes of 2020 and 2021
$100 Classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024
$100 Recent alumni enrolled full time in a graduate program (To ensure you are credited at the graduate student level, please complete our online form.)
$13 Undergraduates
Frequently Asked Questions
As a Colgate couple, you may join the Presidents’ Circle by making a joint gift to Colgate at the Presidents’ Circle level for your class. If you are in different classes, you may select the Presidents’ Circle level based on the more recent class year. For example: If one of you is in the Class of 2011 and the other 2012, then your combined gift must meet the threshold for the Class of 2012.
Colgate’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. We contact alumni early in the fiscal year, because many members appreciate the opportunity to divide their Presidents’ Circle gift by enrolling in the monthly giving option. As long as you renew your Presidents’ Circle gift by June 30, you will retain your Presidents’ Circle membership.
To determine whether your company will match your gift, please visit our Ways to Give page.
Yes. We want you to maintain your connection to the Presidents’ Circle and understand that the costs associated with graduate school may make it difficult for you to give at a leadership level. We are pleased to offer a $100 Presidents’ Circle membership for any recent alumnus enrolled full time in graduate school. To take advantage of this opportunity, please complete our online form and contact Michelle Jacobsen at 315-228-7450 or mjacobsen@colgate.edu.
You can designate your support to any activity, sport, academic area, or initiative at Colgate that is meaningful to you. Colgate’s top fundraising priority is The Colgate Fund, which provides support where needs are greatest, including financial aid.
The Presidents’ Circle Membership Council (PCMC) are ambassadors of Colgate’s Third-Century Plan and its priorities. Members inspire fellow alumni and families to increase their philanthropic support to Colgate through Presidents’ Circle-level giving to the University.
Presidents’ Circle Bicentennial Celebration in the All-Class Tent on Whitnall Field at the beginning of the 2019 Reunion Weekend.
Members of the Presidents’ Circle dine at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City.
Sponsored by the Colgate Presidents’ Circle, Lauren Schmetterling ’10, Olympic gold medalist in rowing, was interviewed by ESPN anchor David Lloyd ’83.
