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Donor Recognition
Tuition only covers 31 percent of the cost of a UWF education, and state support alone is not enough to deliver high-quality programs that meet the needs of our state and region. Private gifts, therefore, make a significant impact on the education of each student and are critical to the success of the university.
The Nautilus Society was formed in 2003 as a way to honor donors of $1,000 or more for their commitment to helping provide students with a high-quality education. Comprised of prominent community leaders, outstanding alumni, successful business partners and generous foundations, Nautilus Society members are leaders in philanthropy whose consistent generosity helps empower UWF to pursue its mission to be the best regional comprehensive university in America. Benefits include invitations to special university events throughout the year and recognition in the Annual Honor Roll of Donors.
Nautilus Society membership is based on fiscal year gifts (July 1 through June 30). Qualifying gifts include both unrestricted and restricted gifts. Employer matching gifts can be included to qualify a constituent for membership to this society if received in the same fiscal year.
Planned giving donors are individuals who have provided future gifts to the University through estate provisions as well as those who desire to ensure the future of UWF through their gifts. These individuals are members of Heritage Club.
Heritage Club membership is extended to those who have included the University of West Florida in their wills, have established a life-income plan with the University as a beneficiary, have named the University as beneficiary and owner in their life insurance policy, or have made other estate provisions with the University as beneficiary.
Membership in the Heritage Club is a tangible way to let others know of your support to UWF. Donors, however, may also keep their membership confidential if so desired. This recognition gives the university an on-going opportunity to say thank you, either publicly or privately, for these special gifts.
For more information on how to become a member of this prestigious group, contact Martha Lee Blodgett, mblodget@uwf.edu, Director of Development.
In recognition of the University’s 40th anniversary and the generosity shown by so many, the Board of Directors of the University of West Florida Foundation, Inc has adopted new lifetime giving societies designed to honor our most generous donors. To recognize cumulative lifetime giving to the university, the UWF Foundation sponsors five prestigious societies: Harold B. Crosby Society, John C. Pace Society, Founders Society, Chambered Nautilus Society, Charter Society of 1963; and two recognition clubs: The President’s Circle and the Heritage Club.
Membership is available to any individual or organization that has contributed the amount designated for a society or club. As our most honored benefactors, members of these societies and clubs will gather periodically in celebration and fellowship. Chambered Nautilus Society members are recognized with a permanent display on the marble wall at the John C. Pace Library. In addition, Chambered Nautilus Society, Founders Society, John C. Pace Society and Harold B. Crosby Society members are recognized on UWF's Donor Recognition Wall in the University of West Florida Conference Center Lobby.
The new cumulative giving societies are:
Harold B. Crosby Society ($1,000,000 or more) Named after UWF’s first president, Judge Harold B. Crosby, this society is created to honor the pioneering spirit that was needed to launch a new university. Judge Crosby not only had the courage to fight for an institution of higher education in the region, but he recognized the endless possibilities that an education could provide the residents of Northwest Florida. The Harold B. Crosby Society is in honor of those individuals who share these same qualities and who have invested significant gifts for the advancement of the University of West Florida.
John C. Pace Society ($500,000 to $999,999) In July 1962, the Board of Control voted to build a new university in West Florida. John C. Pace’s influence led the board in its choice of Harold B. Crosby as the first UWF president. The John C. Pace Society is in honor of those individuals most instrumental in the establishment and advancement of the University of West Florida through their contributions.
Founders Society ($250,000 to $499,999) The Founders Society represents the spirit of those who established the University through their dedication to a unique mission. Membership in this society recognizes individuals who are visionaries and exhibit tremendous leadership in their efforts to strengthen the university with their contributions.
Chambered Nautilus Society ($100,000 to $249,999) The University’s founders adopted the chambered nautilus as its distinctive emblem. Just as the chambered nautilus signifies the deliberate pace and delicate design appropriate to a house of learning, its namesake society recognizes quintessential commitment to philanthropy on behalf of the University of West Florida.
Charter Society of 1963 ($50,000 to $99,999) In 1963, following an eight-year campaign by prominent citizens in support of a degree-granting institution for the region, a tract of forest along the western shore of the Escambia River was named as the site of the future university. In recognition of the founding year of the university, membership in the Charter Society promotes in the progress of UWF.
President’s Circle ($25,000 to $49,999) Acknowledging the leadership provided by each of the presidents of the University of West Florida, this society recognizes the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations that have made gifts to advance the university.
For additional information on the University of West Florida's Honor Recognition Societies, contact University Advancement at (850) 474-2758 or 1-800-226-1893.