UA to Honor Major Donors at Gala Event April 12

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama will recognize and thank major donors to the institution at a gala event Friday, April 12, at Coleman Coliseum.

During the program, UA will launch its new “Lifetime Giving Societies” honoring donors whose cumulative gifts to the University total $50,000 or more. Donors will be inducted into one of six Lifetime Giving Societies at the black-tie event.

“When donors are continually generous in their support for the University, it is only right to say thank you,” said Jeffrey P. McNeill, UA vice president for University Advancement.

“We are delighted to be able to honor these truly committed donors by inducting them into the University’s first Lifetime Giving Societies. Friday night’s event will be an elegant and very special occasion honoring individuals who deserve our heartiest gratitude,” McNeill said.

More than 1,000 alumni and friends of the University will be inducted into the following societies:

Louisa Frances Garland Society — $50,000-$99,999
Alva Woods Society — $100,000-$249,999
Amelia Gayle Gorgas Society — $250,000-$499,999
James H. Fitts Society — $500,000-$999,999
Frederick Augustus Porter Barnard Society — $ 1,000,000-$4,999,999
John H. Bankhead Sr. Society — $5,000,000-plus

The societies are named in honor of well-known figures in UA history. Membership will consist of all donors whose cumulative gifts, pledge payments, credits and matching gifts to any area of the University total $50,000 or more by Dec. 31 of each year.

“Private giving is essential to the success of the University,” McNeill said. “The financial support provided by these donors and others to the University’s programs, students and faculty is a critical investment in the future of The University of Alabama and the state.”

Private donations accounted for about 11 percent of UA’s total budget in 2001. About 500 donors are expected to attend the banquet.