The Lander Foundation at Lander University has introduced a new name to its annual fund. Previously known to alumni and friends of the University as the Lander Excellence Fund, as of Jan. 1, the fund will now be called the Lander Loyalty Fund. Foundation officials say this new name will align the fund’s name with the enduring relationship between the University and its alumni and donors.
“Those who give to Lander University are deeply valued members of our Lander family,” said Taylor Cook, vice president for advancement, and executive director of The Lander Foundation. “For today’s Lander students, a quality college education is made possible through the loyalty of thousands of alumni and friends who believe in our University and its mission. This name change pays homage to their loyalty to Lander, and equally, it is a testament of our loyalty to them.”
The Lander Loyalty Fund will continue to serve as an unrestricted fund for Lander University, and donors who support the fund will continue to see their gifts go toward the greatest needs of the University’s students, faculty and staff, including key initiatives such as student scholarships, faculty-sponsored research, programmatic support and general operations.
New Ways to Give
The name change has also allowed The Lander Foundation to establish new Excellence Funds for each of the University’s colleges. These funds will provide immediate discretionary support for Lander’s academic deans to advance the goals of their individual colleges, while also allowing donors to make a direct contribution to their college of choice.
“By contributing to these newly established Excellence Funds, our alumni and partners are providing the resources that allow us to innovate our technology and support the unique needs of our students,” said Dr. Lloyd Willis, dean of the College of Business and Technology. “Their generosity ensures that every Bearcat is equipped to turn their individual ambitions into a lifelong career of service and success.”
Similarly, The Lander Foundation has established the President’s Excellence Fund and the Athletic Director’s Excellence Fund. These will allow donors to directly support the key priorities and initiatives of these two offices. Other important University divisions, such as Campus Engagement, will have an opportunity for unrestricted support as well.
“The new Lander Loyalty Fund, and our new Excellence Funds, highlight the direct impact of unrestricted contributions, and help us communicate our vision more effectively to our valued supporters," Cook said.
Giving Societies
In addition to the name change, The Lander Foundation has also announced the establishment of new Giving Societies, with membership extended to those who make an annual contribution to the foundation, or who have reached significant lifetime giving milestones.
Annual Giving Societies
Cumulative Giving Societies
The Samuel Lander Society
The Samuel Lander Society is a planned giving society made up of those individuals who have provided for Lander’s future through wills, trusts or other planned gifts. This society ensures that an individual’s legacy may live on through generations of Lander students.
A Call to Give
While the name of Lander’s annual fund may have changed, officials of The Lander Foundation stress that the ways individuals can choose to make a donation remain the same. Those interested in making a gift can still do so by visiting Lander’s website at www.lander.edu/give, or by calling 864-388-8350, or by mail:
The Lander Foundation
320 Stanley Ave.
Campus Box 6004
Greenwood, S.C. 29649
For questions, please contact The Lander Foundation at 864-388-8350 or advancement@lander.edu.