UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 13, Page 8
December 2, 1993
Newly designed pins to recognize U.D. contributors

     New lapel pins designating significant contributions to the University
soon will be seen around campus and in the community.
     The pins have been designed and instituted to recognize various levels
of giving and to provide the University supporters with a sign of sincere
appreciation.
     In order to honor its most generous annual donors, the University has
established the 1743 Society to complement the Delaware Diamonds Society,
which recognizes pledges over a five-year period.
     The 1743 Society pins feature the shape of the University coat of arms
in gold metal and blue cloisonne holding the interlocking UD logo and the
date the University was founded. They will be sent to donors who have
qualified by contributing $100 or more since July 1, 1993.
     Delaware Diamonds Society members currently receive recognition  with
the interlocking UD inside a diamond-shaped pin. Next spring, the Delaware
Diamonds Society recognition will include distinctively colored pins,
maintaining the same design, for honor levels at $10,000 and $25,000.
     Celebrating the date of the University's beginnings as a  small
academy near New London, Pa., the 1743 Society was established this fall to
recognize donors whose yearly gifts help maintain and enhance the
University's mission of instruction, research and public service, according
to Charles M. Forbes, vice president for development and alumni relations.
     The pin recognizes the thousands of generous donors- alumni, friends,
trustees, parents, employees, retirees and students-who contribute through
the Delaware Annual Fund and/or other fund-raising campaigns. Each giving
year runs from July 1 through June 30, crossing two calendar years.
     Gifts to the University may be in the form of checks, securities, real
property, gifts-in-kind or deferred gifts. Corporate matching funds also
count toward membership in both the 1743 Society and Delaware Diamonds
Society.
     In honoring the University's history and traditions, the 1743 Society
consolidates previous recognition groups, including the Century Club,
Society of a Thousand, University Associates and Blue Hen Club.
     Wanda M. Simons, coordinator of annual giving, explained that current
recognition is accorded at the following levels: Member, $100-$249;
Sponsor, $250-$499; Fellow, $500-$999; Founder, $1,000-$2,499; and
Sustainer, $2,500-$4,999.
     Two years ago, Simons added, the Delaware Diamonds Society was
established to honor the University's most generous donors and to provide a
predictable flow of gifts over a five-year period.
     Now, more specific recognition will be bestowed. Beginning in the
spring of 1994, Delaware Diamonds Society membership will be accorded to an
individual or couple who contributes, or pledges to contribute, within a
five-year period, at one of the following levels: Member $5,000;
Benefactor, $10,000; and Senior Benefactor, $25,000. Currently, membership
is conferred for pledges at the $5,000 level. Donors of gifts of $5,000 or
more in a single giving year also qualify, and the five-year membership
term continues.
     Lapel and scarf pins, in the shape of the Delaware Diamonds Society
logo, are provided to members. Each recognition level will have a distinct
pin that reflects a donor's commitment to the University. The traditional
blue and gold colors will continue to recognize Diamond members, while the
Benefactor's pin will be blue and silver. The new Senior Benefactor pin
will be all silver.
     For additional information about the 1743 Society or the Delaware
Diamonds Society, contact Simons at 831-2104 or via e-mail at
Wanda.Simons@MVS.udel.edu.