Messenger - Vol. 1, No. 2, Page 28 Winter 1992 Delaware Diamonds of great value The Delaware Diamonds-an organization that traditionally has recognized significant support from University alumni and friends-has been reorganized to honor exemplary, long-term commitments to the University. Enrollment of new members is under way. "The Delaware Diamonds Society will honor the University's most generous contributors," according to Charles S. Joanedis, Delaware '50, who serves as chairperson pro tem of the new society. "This will be the 'club' to belong to for Delaware alumni and friends committed to enhancing the outstanding qualities of the University of Delaware." A member of the University's Advisory Committee on Private Support, Joanedis received the Alumni Association's Outstanding Alumnus Award last year. The new society recognizes individuals who give or pledge $5,000 or more over a five-year period, to the University. Membership also will be granted to persons who make or have made deferred giving commitments and bequests of $25,000 or more and to those whose lifetime giving totals reach $50,000. In addition, enrollment will be granted to all who have contributed or pledged $5,000 or more during the past two giving years (from July 1, 1989, to June 30, 1991). The new five-year term memberships begin with the current 1991-92 giving year. A volunteer organization reporting to the president, the society will work actively to expand its membership and will bring Diamonds and members of the campus community together to discuss the successes, challenges and needs of the University. Future plans call for an annual black-tie event to honor society members for their generosity to the University. Concurrent with the establishment of the Diamonds society, the University also has created a new gift club to recognize annual gifts. The Blue Hen Club has been established, bringing together the former Diamonds, University Associates, Society of a Thousand and Century Club, to recognize annual contributions of $100 and more. Donors who pledge membership in the new Delaware Diamonds Society and make gift payments each year will be recognized in two ways, Joanedis explained, by the new society for their long-term commitments and by the Blue Hen Club for their gifts received during each giving year. Joanedis currently is building a committee of alumni and friends experienced in fund-raising who will make personal follow-ups to the new society's membership invitations, which are being extended this spring. For more information, contact: Peter D. Shultz, Coordinator, Delaware Diamonds Society, Office of University Development, Academy Building, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716-0701. Telephone: (302) 831-2104