50th Reunion Giving
Williams has a long history of alumni marking the 50th with special collective philanthropy. Over and above continuing their support of the Alumni Fund, each class chooses one or more gift purposes to establish a legacy and pay it forward to the next generation of Ephs. In addition to scholarships and professorships, gift purposes can include endowment for a specific program or initiative or a capital project.
The 50th Gift
There are many ways to give to your class gift purposes or another college priority of personal interest. In addition to cash, outright gifts could include those made with appreciated securities or qualified contributions from an IRA. Planned gifts are those made as part of your overall financial and/or estate planning. In many cases, these gifts provide tax advantages and even an income stream for you and/or loved ones.
All contributions and pledges received by Williams over the 10-year period between your 40th and 50th reunions count toward the Total 50th Class Gift announced at your 50th. This includes Alumni Fund gifts and pledges, gifts and pledges to your class gift purpose, and any other gifts designated toward a different college priority.
Class Gift Purpose
The unique personality of every Williams class is reflected in the special designated class gift purpose(s) they create for their 50th Reunion in consultation with college leaders. Recent gift purposes have included:
- The Class of 1966 Environmental Center & Summer Opportunities Fund
- The Class of 1967 Memorial Scholarship & Class of 1967 Faculty Recruitment Fund
- The '68 Center for Career Exploration & Class of 1968 Scholarship
- The Class of 1969 Endowed Professorship & Class of 1969 Questbridge Scholarship
- Class of 1970 Fund for Curricular Excellence (in support of Winter Study, Tutorials, and Summer Opportunities) & Class of 1970 Fund for Curricular Innovations
- Class of 1971 Summer Science Research Fund, Class of 1971 Fund For Careers In Public Service, and Class of 1971 Scholarship
- Class of 1972 Fund for Engaged Scholarship
- Class of 1973 Career Exploration Internship and 1973 Memorial Scholarship
Each class will determine its own selection process and have opportunities to discuss options with the Williams faculty and staff. Ryan Ford ’09, Director of Milestone Reunion Programs, can answer any questions at (413) 597-4284.
Ways to Give
Outright Gifts
There are many ways to give to Williams, and all types of gifts can credit the 50th Reunion Class Gift total. In addition to cash, outright gifts could include those made with appreciated securities or qualified distributions from an IRA. Gifts influenced by classmates from relatives, foundations, and corporations, including matching gifts, can also count.
Make a gift to the Class of 1974
Outright Pledges
Outright gifts toward class gift purposes and/or the Alumni Fund can be pledged and made over periods of up to five years with the full amount of the pledge crediting the class total.
Make a pledge to the Class of 1974
To request a customized statement of intent form for a purpose other than your class gift purpose, please email [email protected] or call 413-597-4284.
Planned Gifts
Contributions can also include planned (deferred) gifts ranging from real estate and other unique assets, irrevocable bequest pledges as part of the Williams Today & Tomorrow Program, and life-income gifts like Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts. In many cases, these gifts provide tax advantages and even an income stream for you and/or loved ones.
Revocable bequest intentions, however, are one category that — while encouraged and deeply appreciated by Williams — do not currently count toward the 50th Reunion Class Gift total.
Class volunteers will partner with college staff to build the class gift through individual conversations with classmates. As everyone’s circumstances differ, often a conversation with a member of the Williams Gift Planning team can help an individual determine the best option to meet personal objectives.
Visit the Williams Gift Planning website to explore 50th Reunion gift possibilities or contact Gift Planning at (413) 597-3538 or gift.planning@williams.edu.
Click HERE to read Create a Legacy Testimonials from members of the class of 1973