The President’s Society
Without question, the greatest challenge facing Martin Methodist College is keeping a first-rate education affordable for students. As a private institution, MMC does not enjoy the benefits its programs — tuition and fees, income from endowment, and charitable gifts.
On April 8, 1999, the Board of Trustees of Martin Methodist College established The President’s Society to take the lead in providing resources needed not only for current students, but for future generations. The President’s Society is a community of people pledged to become partners with our president in a shared vision for MMC.
Society members believe so strongly in Martin Methodist College and its vision that they commit $1,000 or more each year in support of its programs. Members of The President’s Society include alumni, parents, friends, businesses, foundations, and many United Methodist congregations.
The Lamp of Learning
The symbol of The President’s Society is the oil lamp, which is also featured in the college’s seal and is the ancient symbol of learning and scholarship — signifying not only the long hours of study required for educational achievement, but the illumination and inspiration that come from learning. The Latin phrase “Tenentes Lampam Claram,” which means “Keeping the Lamp Bright,” is also incorporated in the emblem, and it captures the essence of The President’s Society — a community of people committed to Martin Methodist College and its mission to continue undergraduate educational excellence, while maintaining affordability for future students.
Membership
Membership in The President’s Society is open to those who make gifts totaling $1,000 or more in a particular fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Contributions acknowledged in the context of The President’s Society include both unrestricted gifts and gifts restricted for specific projects or endowment funds. Within The President’s Society, Martin Methodist College recognizes two additional donor levels for Society members who make a commitment exceeding the initial level: The Silver Circle — gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 and The Gold Circle — gifts of $10, 000 and above.
Benefits
The principal reason for joining The President’s Society is the desire to become a partner with President Ted Brown and his vision for Martin Methodist College. To indicate MMC’s gratitude for the significant commitment made by Society members, we have designed several benefits of membership. During the initial year of Society membership, members will receive a replica of the Lamp of Learning symbolized in The President’s Society emblem. In addition, all members will receive periodic announcements from the President’s desk to keep them informed about noteworthy developments on campus; an invitation to the annual President’s Society Banquet; and special invitations throughout the year to other college cultural and athletic events.
