Support Whittier
Jonh Greenleaf Whittier Society (JGWS)
John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892)
In 1887, Whittier College was founded and named in honor of John Greenleaf Whittier, a prominent American Quaker poet and forceful advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States. Highly regarded in his lifetime, Mr. Whittier served as editor of a number of newspapers in Boston and Haverhill, Mass., as well as the New England Weekly Review in Hartford, Conn.
His first two published works were Legends of New England (1831) and Moll Pitcher (1832). His words still resonate today, particularly those found in his poem “Maud Muller”: “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’”
One can imagine Mr. Whittier’s message serving as the catalyst behind the great aspirations - and achievements - of Whittier College students and alumni over the past 120 years.
John Greenleaf Whittier Society (JGWS)
In 1923, Whittier College established the John Greenleaf Whittier Society (JGWS) for leadership donors, honoring a man who, as a life-long activist, gave so much of himself for the betterment of others. To this day, JGWS recognizes those individuals and organizations who serve as the cornerstone of Whittier College through their generous, annual support. Members of JGWS may designate their gifts to any area of campus. Gifts from JGWS members make possible scholarship awards for students, ensure preservation and enhancement of this historic campus, provide paid summer internships, underwrite our athletic teams and programs, and fund professional research projects and other opportunities that allow students to work closely with Whittier College’s world-class faculty.
JGWS is a community of generous alumni, parents and friends who share Whittier College’s uncompromising commitment to provide a distinct, high quality liberal arts education. Contributions from JGWS members account for more than 90% of the dollars raised for Whittier College each year. These gifts are critical to ensure that Whittier can compete with its peer institutions to attract and retain talented students and dedicated faculty.
JGWS Membership and Benefits
GOLD (Graduates Of the Last Decade)
$250 - $499 Graduated 1 to 5 years ago
$500 - $750 Graduated 6 to 10 years ago
- Alumni in the ten most recent graduating classes (1998-2008) are eligible to join JGWS at a reduced rate and will receive the full benefits of the JGWS Fellows
Fellow
$3,000 - $6,999
- Recognition as one of the College’s leading contributors
- Invitation to special JGWS receptions
- Complimentary use of the Graham Athletics Center and the George Allen Fitness Center
- A Bonnie Bell Wardman Library card and use of the Rose Hills Foundation Center for Library and Information Resources
- Membership in the Friends of the Shannon Center, which offers a 10% discount at the California Grill Restaurant, free backstage theater tours, and a newsletter featuring coming performances
Benefactor
$7,000 - $14,999
- All of the benefits listed above
- A special dinner with the President
President’s Council
$15,000 - $29,999
- All of the benefits listed above
- Assigned a student scholarship recipient
- Invitation to the Student Scholarship Luncheon in spring
Trustee Circle
$30,000 and above
- All of the benefits listed above
- Assigned an additional student scholarship recipient
For more information on joining JGWS, please contact Jennie Sanchez, Assistant Director, at 562.907.4288 or jsanchez@whittier.edu.
