51ºÚÁÏ

Visit
Apply
Give

Donor Impact

In this section
In this section

At the Heart of Us

At the heart of the 51ºÚÁÏ is its community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends—united by care, encouragement, and support. It feels like family, and it is from this shared spirit that generosity grows. We are deeply grateful to our alumni, friends, parents and families, and employees whose support advances our mission and strengthens the 51ºÚÁÏ experience. Your gifts help create meaningful opportunities for students, foster connections on campus and beyond, and ensure that 51ºÚÁÏ continues to discover greater ways to prepare graduates for lives of virtue, service and joy.

51ºÚÁÏ is forever grateful to the generations of alumni and supporters who have changed lives and communities throughout Indiana and beyond – and who continue to do so. As a donor, you may be recognized in one of our Giving Societies. To learn more, contact Andrea Geyer, Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives, ageyer@sf.edu or 260-399-8051.

Brookside Aerial Shot

Franciscan Society of Annual Giving

The Franciscan Society at 51ºÚÁÏ honors annual giving. Taking its name from St. Francis of Assisi, this society honors alumni and friends who invest in 51ºÚÁÏ’ mission by providing gifts of $1,000 or more in an academic year.

Brookside Exterior Shot

Bonzel Society of Lifetime Giving

The Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel Society recognizes 51ºÚÁÏ’ major benefactors for their significant and enduring contributions. Membership in this society reflects a devotion to, and deeply-held belief in, the university’s values-based mission, through financial support at the highest levels. These meaningful contributions help to assure that 51ºÚÁÏ’ future will be as robust as its history, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and values that will propel them to a glorious life.

Named in honor of the foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, lifetime membership recognizes contributions of $100,000 and more, up to $1 million and beyond. Recognition levels within the Bonzel Society are:

  • Bronze: $100,00 – $499,999
  • Gold: $1 million and over
  • Silver: $500,000 – $999,999

Seraph Society of Legacy Giving

The Seraph Society signifies the special group of friends who support 51ºÚÁÏ through legacy gifts. According to Biblical teaching, seraphs comprise the choir of angels closest to God’s throne. St. Francis of Assisi, the university’s patron saint, described a vision of Jesus Christ on the cross, enveloped by the wings of a seraph.

The Seraph Society symbolizes both a love for God and a heartfelt desire to share in St. Francis’ mission to help others in need. This legacy of remembrance helps to sustain the university’s devotion to ensuring that students will continue to benefit from the inspired teaching and learning at 51ºÚÁÏ, graduating with a depth of knowledge and values that will last a lifetime.

Alumni Donors

The 51ºÚÁÏ alumni exemplify critical thinking, passionate engagement, clear communication, and a commitment to living with integrity. With over 19,000 graduates from various institutions affiliated with 51ºÚÁÏ, you, as alumni, are vibrant examples of the comprehensive education provided by 51ºÚÁÏ.

As part of this esteemed group, we encourage you to connect often and stay in touch. Whether you found love while studying for a Biology exam or embarked on a life of service during a mission trip, your time at 51ºÚÁÏ has left an indelible mark on your life.

Our graduates play a pivotal role in advancing 51ºÚÁÏ’ educational mission. Through alumni events, class reunions, and your generous contributions, you inspire, lead, and support 51ºÚÁÏ, shaping its future for generations to come.

Friends

Collaborations with the local community, volunteers, foundations, and business leaders significantly elevate our campus community and the northwest Indiana region. As a vital member of this collaborative effort, your support, whether through the Cougar Club, the Cougar Classic, attendance at arts events, volunteering as a mentor, or sharing your expertise as a guest speaker, is instrumental.

Your commitment empowers 51ºÚÁÏ to fulfill its mission, equipping each graduate with the essential tools and experiences for success, enabling them to make a positive impact locally and globally.

Parents and Families

From convocation to commencement, you’ve been there, cheering your student on from the first campus tour to the triumphant degree presentation. We celebrate your student’s accomplishments and remain dedicated to their success throughout their academic journey. To support ongoing achievements, our Academic and Career Development Center provides cutting-edge internships, resume assistance, mock interviews, and post-graduation placement services.

51ºÚÁÏ is not only invested in your student but also in the success of your family. None of these services would be possible without the support of the parents and families that constitute our vibrant Cougar community.

Employees

As a staff or faculty member, your contribution has a dual impact. Beyond sharing your time and talent with our students, every dollar you give directly supports students and a wide array of programs. Your gift not only underscores your belief in our shared educational mission but also reflects your personal investment in it.

Furthermore, your generosity reverberates in the local community, as over 70% of our graduates remain in the Fort Wayne area. Your investment stays close to home, benefiting the people of Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana. Supporting 51ºÚÁÏ isn’t just an investment in education; it’s an investment in the people and communities we serve.

Thank you, Cougars!

Our Donor Promise

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life.

To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

  • To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
  • To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
  • To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
  • To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
  • To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
  • To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
  • To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
  • To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors.
  • To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
  • To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.

The text of this statement in its entirety was developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and adopted by 51ºÚÁÏ in November 1993.

Contact Us

Office of Institutional Advancement
Trinity Hall

Phone: 260-399-8034
Email: advancement@sf.edu

Hours
Monday – Friday:
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.