When you give to Rhodes College, you become part of a community of donors who are united in their support of our vision, mission and impact. We are honored and grateful to celebrate those who support Rhodes College at every level.
If you would like to make a leadership gift or pledge, please visit our Annual Fund Leadership Giving form.
The Charles E. Diehl Society
As president of Rhodes College from 1917 to 1949, Charles E. Diehl set the standard of excellence. The Gothic buildings, the rigorous curriculum, the honors courses adapted from Oxford, and the insistence on excellence remain as monuments to Dr. Diehl's leadership.
In Dr. Diehl's honor, seven leaders of the Mid-South founded the Charles E. Diehl Society in 1973 with the intent of funding an exceptional academic experience. Members' gifts, totaling 48% of the unrestricted gifts to Rhodes each year, provide funds for quality teaching and research. They also provide financial assistance to students, funds for laboratory and individual study experiences and many of the extras that tuition dollars do not cover. Rhodes is one of the finest colleges of the liberal arts and sciences in the nation in large part because of the Charles E. Diehl Society. The Diehl Society members' involvement is critical for the institution's advancement. The 130+ members span the globe as ambassadors for the college, increasing the awareness of Rhodes and promoting membership in the Diehl Society worldwide. Members are asked to help identify or assist with potential funding sources and publicity opportunities.
There are six levels of membership in the Charles E. Diehl Society:
- $10,000 - $14,999 Sustainer
- $15,000 - $24,999 Benefactor
- $25,000 - $49,999 Fellow
- $50,000 - $99,999 Guarantor
- $100,000 or more Philanthropist
* Alumni one to nine years past graduation receive 50% discount
If you have any questions or comments about the Diehl Society, please contact Jenna Goodloe Wade, Vice President for Development, at goodloe@rhodes.edu or call 1-800-264-LYNX.
The Red and Black Society
The Red and Black Society members are some of Rhodes' most devoted alumni, parents, and friends. The society recognizes its members for their generosity and provides them with opportunities to develop a closer relationship with Rhodes. The name of the society comes from the official colors of the college. It is fitting that these colors, symbols of Rhodes, should also signify this group's commitment to leading the college. The Red and Black Society members' generosity and involvement with Rhodes set an outstanding example for others to follow.
Membership levels are:
- $2,500 - $3,499 Member
- $3,500 - $4,999 Senior
- $5,000 - $9,999 Patron
* Alumni one to nine years past graduation receive 50% discount
Involvement in this important leadership society helps set the standard and the direction of the college's future. If you have questions about The Red and Black Society, please contact Dennis Riddle, Associate Director of Annual Giving, riddled@rhodes.edu.
Other Giving Levels
There are five additional giving levels that provide donors the opportunity for club membership. Each of these emphasize the importance of participation and increasing annual gifts.
The levels are:
- Dean’s Society - $1,500
- Cloister Society - $1,000
- Tower Club - $500
- Loyalty Club - $250
- Slate Club - $100
Young Benefactors’ Society
The Young Benefactors’ Society will recognize donors who have not yet celebrated their tenth reunion and who have made a gift of $100 or more for three (3) consecutive years. Those who commit to a three-year pledge of at least $100 per year will be included in the Young Benefactors’ Society upon the making of the pledge. Gifts to any designation count for the purposes of inclusion in the Young Benefactors’ Society.
Oak Alley Society
The Oak Alley Society recognizes and honors the loyal alumni, parents, and friends who support the College consistently over time. This society is not about how much you give, but the act of giving, year after year. The Oak Alley Society will recognize those who have made a gift of any size to any designation for the last five (5) consecutive years.