“Quality is never an accident. It is the result of intelligent effort.” - John Ruskin.    

 

In 2025, Eureka College will be 170 years strong. In this new generation, we are building a future of student success by helping one student at a time. Help us create the next level of greatness by joining the 1855 Society and making a recurring gift HERE. New members receive a special gift, perks, and recognition at a celebration at Homecoming. The gifts are exclusively for student scholarships and emerging campus opportunities. Be a part of something historic by building the margin for excellence at Eureka College. 

 

 

Meet the 1855 Society Steering Committee

 

Valerie Ware, Class of 1981	Eileen Setti, Class of 1993	Siji Moore, Class of 2006	Vincent Vega, Class of 2019

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS                                                                           

 

Q:         What is the 1855 Society?   

A:          It is a new society/movement that was created to commemorate Eureka College’s 170th anniversary. The intent is to engage alumni and friends to make an online recurring monthly gift of $18.55 or more to the 1855 Society or one of these qualifying funds: the Fund for Excellence, General Scholarships, Opportunity Grants, Student Success Fund, First Generation Award, or the Reagan Society. Each of these qualifying funds prioritizes student access to education by ensuring that every student who wants to attend and graduate from Eureka College has the resources (scholarships) and the environment to be successful.

 

Q:        Why should I care about it?

A:         Just as the founders of the College believed in equality and freedom and set a new standard for education, the Society’s goal is to provide opportunity and access to education by ensuring that every student that wants to attend and graduate from Eureka College has the resources (scholarships) and the environment to be successful. For the cost of a Netflix subscription, you can change a student’s life. These dollars are the difference between Eureka being mediocre or excellent. They are the margin for excellence. 

 

Q:        How do I join , and when?

A:        By going to eureka.edu/donate and following the prompts on the form. You can give via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, or debit from a bank account (electronic check). New members can join right now!

 

Q:        What do I get for joining?

A:        Foundation Builder - $18.55/month ($222.60 annually): New members will receive an introductory gift with the 1855 logo. They will be recognized at the Alumni Celebration during Homecoming and free admission to all alumni events.
            Leadership Legacy - $40.00/month ($480 annually): New members will receive an introductory gift with the 1855 logo. They will be recognized at the Alumni Celebration during Homecoming and free admission to all alumni events. They will receive a discount of 5% at the Red Devil Depot and free admission to all Reagan events. 

 

Q:        Are checks accepted?

A:        Yes, we accept checks of any size at any time. We prefer that 1855 members make their gifts electronically due to volume and processing costs, but if you contact our office, we can makeaccommodationss. 

 

Q:        How is the program run/who is responsible for it?

A:        The program is run by Annual Giving in the Advancement Office in cooperation with a steering committee of alumni. 

 

Q:       Who is on the Steering Committee?

A:       The committee is comprised of alumni representing four decades of Eureka College alumni: Ms. Valerie Ware ’81, Dr. Eileen Setti ’93, Siji Moore ‘06, Esq. and Vincent Vega ’18, Esq. They are all members of the 1855 Society, and are leaders in this movement to engage alumni and friends from all the generations to rally their support for current students. 

 

Q:       Are they gift tax-deductible?

A:       Yes, Eureka College is a qualified 501 C (3) organization.  

 

Q:       How is the money used? 

A:       The money will be used to create the margin for excellence by ensuring the College can offer scholarships to every student who needs them and to fund other emerging opportunities, like campus beautification and infrastructure projects. 

 

Q:       What are the goals of the Society?

A:      - To recruit at least 50 members in the first year.  

          - To increase scholarship support for students to minimize their need for student loans.  

          -To provide the margin for excellence by creating a fund to support essential projects that improve student success (recruitment, retention, nd graduation) 

 

Q:       Who can join?

A:       Anyone committed to the success of Eureka College students.  

 

Q:       When will we celebrate the impact of 1855?

A:       Starting in 2025, members will be recognized during the Alumni Celebration at Homecoming, along with the students assisted. The projects supported will also be shared at that time.  

 

Q:       What if I have already given? Can I join?

A:       Yes, as long as you make a monthly recurring gift of at least $18.55. You can donate to other projects as long as $18.55 is committed to society. If you have questions regarding this, please contact the office at 309.467.6317 or development@eureka.edu, and one of our team members will assist you.  

 

Q:       How can I learn more or become involved with this movement?

A:       Email us at development@eureka.edu and one of our team members will arrange a time share opportunities to volunteer and become more engaged.  

 

 

Thank you so much for helping us serve!