Office of Advancement

The Merillat Society is the highest honor a donor can receive. Reserved for those who have lifetime contributions to Huntington University of $250,000 or more, the Merillat Society is named after and honors the largest contributing family to the University.

The 1897 Society is established for those who have given between $100,000 and $249,999 to the University over their lifetime. Named after the year of the University’s founding, this society is emblematic of the dedication of longevity and perseverance.

The Milton Wright Society, also known as the Wright Society, is reserved for those who have given between $50,000 and $99,999 over their lifetime. This society is named after and honors United Brethren in Christ Bishop Milton Wright, who helped lay the cornerstone for what we know today as Becker Hall. He also offered the prayer of dedication on September 21, 1897.

The Heartwood Society distinguishes those who have given between $25,000 and $49,999 to the University over their lifetime. The heartwood of a tree is the central core of that tree, giving it strength and stability to grow. Members of the Heartwood Society are the heart and soul of the University, giving her financial stability and academic permanence.

The Pacesetter Society, which was developed as part of the Faith Forward 2022 Strategic Plan, is a society for those who commit to gifting $1,000 or more annually to the Forester Fund. More than 90% of HU students receive some kind of financial aid. Much of that aid comes in the form of scholarships provided by the Forester Fund. Generous gifts to the Forester Fund help make the Huntington University experience an affordable reality for tomorrow’s leaders.

The Baker Society pays homage to Dr. E. DeWitt Baker, HU president from 1965-1981, and his wife, Evelyn Baker, for significant momentum in academic success and new campus facilities. Members of this society, like the Bakers, have faithfully given to Huntington University for 30 years or more and ensure the University’s longevity.

The Forester Legacy Society is a new society established to honor those who have remembered Huntington University in their legacy planning, including those who have remembered HU as a beneficiary, as part of a bequest or trust, in a life insurance policy or in gifts of property.