The generous investment of Mount Holyoke’s community — alums, students, faculty, staff, family and friends — ensures that the College can continue to evolve to meet the needs of current and future students. To recognize the members of our community whose generosity ensures that “Mount Holyoke forever shall be,” we have a number of giving societies.
The members of the Laurel Chain Society are dedicated alums, family members and friends who carry the spirit of Mount Holyoke and support the College — each and every year.
The generosity of LCS members plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of Mount Holyoke College. Since its founding in 2013, the Laurel Chain Society has honored members’ steadfast support — in any amount to any fund — to the College.
In appreciation for their commitment to supporting Mount Holyoke, Laurel Chain Society members receive exclusive correspondence from the College and special recognition at Reunion. Most importantly, as a member, you’ll know that your consistent support sustains the life of our beloved community.
As of 2023, there are 7,156 members in the Laurel Chain Society.
We currently have 2,006 supporters who have made gifts for 50 years or more and have been welcomed as Lifetime members of the Laurel Chain Society.
1,029 members have given every year since their graduation.
The Cornerstone Society recognizes the exceptional commitment of graduates, families and friends who, through their annual gifts of $1,837 or more, provide a foundation of leadership support. The entry level for recent alums (one to 10 years out) begins at $100.
The combined support of Cornerstone Society members accounts for more than 80% of the dollars that sustain Mount Holyoke as a top liberal arts college. As part of this group, which represents just 10% of donors each year, you can play a critical role in advancing the mission of the College.
All of the benefits listed above plus:
All of the benefits listed above plus:
All of the benefits listed above plus:
All of the benefits listed above plus:
The entry level for recent alums (one to 10 years out) begins at $100 in the first year after graduation and increases by $100 each year through the 10th Reunion. Benefits are the same as the Advocate level.
| Class Year | Years After Graduation | Cornerstone Level | Monthly Payments (based on 12 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | $100 | $8.33 |
| 2022 | 2 | $200 | $16.67 |
| 2021 | 3 | $300 | $25.00 |
| 2020 | 4 | $400 | $33.33 |
| 2019 | 5 | $500 | $41.67 |
| 2018 | 6 | $600 | $50.00 |
| 2017 | 7 | $700 | $58.33 |
| 2016 | 8 | $800 | $66.67 |
| 2015 | 9 | $900 | $75.00 |
| 2014 | 10 | $1,000 | $83.33 |
| 2013 or older | 11+ | $1,837 | $153.08 |
When Mary Lyon wrote her last will and testament in 1846, she remembered her family, friends, and Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. Over a century later, alums and friends of the College continue to invest in Mount Holyoke’s mission through their bequests and estate gifts.
The Mary Lyon Society — founded in 1974 — honors those who have named the College as the beneficiary of a will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy, or have established a life income gift with the College. Like Mount Holyoke’s founder, Mary Lyon Society members believe that the world needs educated and inspiring women leaders.
The Clocktower Society recognizes those donors whose lifetime giving has reached $1,000,000. This exceptional generosity leaves a lasting mark.
The Mount Holyoke Fund (MHF) team works with donors and volunteers to support the College’s annual fund. Gifts to the MHF are put to work immediately to support Mount Holyoke’s most pressing needs and impact all aspects of campus life.
