Honoring Donors
Your generosity is important to us
GW values the generosity of our donors, and we know how to say "thank you".
Donor recognition societies at The George Washington University honor the commitment and cumulative giving of our most generous supporters. These societies bring donors into a special community that enjoys exclusive access to our University leadership and involvement in special events.
Members of GW’s three most prestigious societies – L’ Enfant Society, the 1821 Benefactors and George Washington Society – each receive a distinctive medallion cast with the image of President George Washington that is traced to the 18th century statue by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Since 1991, a bronze cast of the original sculpture has stood at the entrance of University Yard on the GW campus.
Naming Opportunities
Naming a tangible piece of GW does far more than commemorate your contribution or honor someone special to you. It tells future generations that GW played an important role in your life.
Tribute to Estelle Gelman
One of the most loyal and generous supporters of the Gelman Library and the University passed away Friday, October 23.
A Celebration of Service
At the George Washington University’s “Celebration of Service” dinner Oct. 15, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, M.B.A. ’71, presented the inaugural Colin Powell Public Service Award to Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth, M.A. ’92.
View the gallery.
Watch video of the event.
Watch GW's Culture of Service video.
L'Enfant Society
The most prestigious of GW’s gift societies, the L’Enfant Society recognizes donors whose generosity and foresight have an enduring impact on the University. The society offers membership to individuals, corporations and foundations with annual or cumulative giving of $5 million or more.
1821 Benefactors
The 1821 Benefactors embodies the spirit of GW and private philanthropy itself. Membership is extended to individuals, corporations and foundations with annual or cumulative giving of $1 million to $4,999,999.
George Washington Society
Established in 1990, the George Washington Society recognizes alumni and friends with annual or cumulative giving of $500,000 to $999,999, as well as donors who gave a total of $100,000 to $499,999 before September 1 each year.
Heritage Society
The Heritage Society honors alumni, friends, faculty and staff who support GW through a bequest intention, charitable gift annuity, charitable trust or other planned giving.
Luther Rice Society
Since 1968, the Luther Rice Society has recognized distinguished GW alumni and friends who annually contribute $1,000 or more. It also acknowledges recent graduates who contribute at a lower level.
The GW Experience
Students
All in the Family
Greg and Heather Hachenburg talk about their undergraduate experience at GW, one of many sibling pairs to share in the Colonials legacy.
Creating Next Generation Leaders
GW program helps female students connect with leading women across a variety of fields and develop their roles as future women in leadership.
Where the City is a Classroom
Freshman volunteers experience life beyond Foggy Bottom...
Faculty
Fighting Neglected Diseases
GW professor works to eradicate diseases that affect the health, education and economic development of the world's poorest people.
Building the Super Computer
Pioneering lab puts GW at the forefront of high-speed computing and offers GW students unprecedented access to science and skills of the future.
Blast From the Past
Students map an ancient—and dramatic—eruption as part of a geological research program in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
Alumni
Giving Back to the District of Columbia
D.C. public health director calls GW education the foundation of his career.
GW Opens Doors
A chance encounter with a GW alumna helped give one GW undergraduate, an aspiring broadcast journalist from Texas, his big break.
The Legend Lives On
The $2 million bequest commitment caps a lifetime of philanthropy and service to GW, establishing the Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Physics.