Messenger - Vol. 1, No. 1, Page 33 Fall 1991 1990-91 Report of Private Support Changes in donor recognition set for 1991-92 A new Delaware Diamond Society formed In a new format, the time-honored name of Delaware Diamonds will continue to designate the exemplary donors who lead all others in support of the University's dreams and goals. The reorganized Delaware Diamonds will honor those who make gifts or pledge an amount totaling $5,000 or more, to be paid within a five-year period. Honor recognition levels will include those who commit amounts of $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000, to be paid within five years. Diamonds members may make unrestricted gifts, or contribute for current use, endowment or capital campaigns. Delaware Diamonds membership is for five years, renewable through new gift commitments at the end of each term. Diamonds members will solicit pledges of support, and the organization will sponsor recognition events and occasions to bring members close to the University and to interact with the students, faculty members and programs their gifts help support. The Society will recognize as members those who make deferred gift provisions in the form of bequests, life income arrangements and insurance gifts of $25,000 or more. Complete information on the new Delaware Diamonds Society will be sent in the fall to all recent Diamonds members and to other annual giving club members. Matching gifts count toward recognition - but timing crucial Due to the continually increasing number of alumni who wisely are increasing the value of their personal gifts to the University through corporate matching, the record keeping necessary for according gift club status for anticipated matching funds will not be possible, beginning in 1991-92. Corporate matching funds received during the fiscal year will continue to count toward the individual donor's qualification for gift club status. Donors will recognize that it is wise to contribute early in the giving year in order to have matching claims processed during the same year. BlueHen Club debut In the reorganization of annual giving club honor levels, each year donors of $100 and over will become members of the Blue Hen Club. Those Blue Hens giving at the $250 level or above will be recognized by name each year, along with their peers in giving, in a special edition of The University of Delaware Messenger. Donors are reminded that the University giving year runs from July 1 to June 30 and crosses two calendar years. Options for giving will increase in 1991-92 Alumni may expect to receive several solicitation letters or calls during each giving year as the University continues to upgrade efforts to give many options for giving. "We recognize that academic areas, sports teams, student activities, and reunion classes each have their own loyal constituents who may respond to one or more requests for funds," Louis J. Beccaria, director of development, said. "By giving several options, alumni will have an opportunity to focus their giving if they wish, and may choose to support as many areas as they can." New Homecoming event Alumni and friends returning to campus for Homecoming 1991 may join in a spirited Homecoming Dance the Friday evening of Homecoming weekend at Carpenter Sports Building behind Old College. The Donor Recognition Reception originated years ago by members of the Century Club will not be held in 1991. With attendance outgrowing the spaces available at Clayton Hall and after budget constraints were considered, a new event has been planned for Friday, Oct. 4. It will be open with a fee to all alumni returning for Homecoming and will feature The Fabulous Greaseband with rock 'n roll music from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. For ticket information, please call the Alumni Office (302) 451-2341.