The 1908 Society is a special designation created to honor all Mary Washington alumni who have previously celebrated 50th class reunions. The 1908, of course, refers to the year in which Mary Washington was founded by legislation that established a "Normal School" in Fredericksburg. Members are inducted following their 50th reunion and receive a unique pin featuring the University seal. Membership in the 1908 Society entitles these alumni to attend Reunion Weekend every year, rather than waiting until the normal five-year cycle. They also are invited to participate in special activities throughout the year, including lectures and events and UMW’s annual commencement ceremony. During Reunion Weekend, all 1908 Society members enjoy a special dinner on Friday evening following the President’s reception. On Saturday, they meet under a specially marked tent during the picnic in Ball Circle. Classes celebrating 55th, 60th, and 65th reunions can meet each other in clearly marked areas beneath the 1908 Society tent.
Each year the classes within the 1908 Society are in a friendly giving competition with the following categories: highest total giving and highest rate of giving participation.
Many choose to make their gift to pay forward the financial aid they received as students, while others choose to do so in honor of special classmates or faculty, or in recognition of the doors that their Mary Washington education opened for them in their careers. Whatever the reason, your gift will make an impact for current and future students.
While a gift to any area on campus counts towards the 1908 Society Giving Challenge, this year we are actively advocating for contributions to the Fund for Mary Washington.
Your gift, no matter the size, strengthens Mary Washington, and a strong Mary Washington benefits us all. Whether you give $19.08 or $1,908 every gift is critical to the success of the University and ultimately our students.
Ways to Give
One-Time Gifts: Make a one-time gift today to the Fund for Mary Washington or to any other area you would like to support.
Recurring Gifts: Monthly giving is the easiest and most convenient way to support UMW. It allows you to spread out your gift, making less of an immediate impact on your finances but a significant impact for UMW students. Break your gifts into monthly, quarterly, twice-a-year, or yearly payments by filling out our online giving form here. Under the section titled "Gift Frequency" select option 2: "I would like to break out my gift into scheduled payments."
Matching Gifts: Many companies offer gift-matching programs that can double or triple employees’ or retirees’ personal gifts to the Annual Fund. Matching gifts are an important source of support for the Annual Fund. Find out if your company has a matching gift program by contacting your Human Resources Department or by checking the matching gift database. If your company does match charitable contributions, request the appropriate form and send it to UMW along with your gift. Many companies also match gifts from retirees, spouses, and outside directors. When UMW receives the matching gift from your company, that gift will be combined with your gift to determine your gift club recognition level.
Multi-Year Pledges: A multi-year commitment of any amount per year for up to 5 years can be made to the Annual Fund. For reunion campaigns, the full amount of a multi-year pledge will be recognized for the class’s reunion gift. To make a multi-year pledge, please fill out this form and submit to the address at the bottom of the form. For any additional questions please contact the Office of University Advancement at umwgift@umw.edu or 540-654-1024.
Stock and Securities: Download/print a form with specific directions to ensure your gifts are transferred and credited properly.
RMD from IRA or Retirement Fund: Designate your required minimum distribution from your IRA or other retirement fund to UMW, avoiding taxes. Please contact Development Officer Beth Hunsinger for more information: ehunsing@umw.edu.
Planned Giving: Make a gift through your will or estate. More information about planned giving is available here.