Benefits Shared by Penn State Benefactors

All Penn State benefactors share one important reward for their gifts: the personal satisfaction of making an investment in human potential. Penn State's finest achievements have been made possible by individuals who made the choice to benefit future generations of Penn Staters. Every gift strengthens the University as it carries out its mission of teaching, research, and public service.

Membership in one of the University's recognition societies provides one gesture of the University's gratitude for a benefactor's philanthropic leadership.

• The Golden Lion Society - Penn State donors are a distinguished group of people, but perhaps the most extraordinary are those in the Golden Lion Society. The Golden Lion Society represents the only people who can say they've given to Penn State every year since graduation.
• The President's Club - The President's Club was established in 1991 to recognize individuals who are committed to a special level of generosity. It aims to encourage excellence in higher education and to provide the University with a solid base of ongoing private financial support.
• The Mount Nittany Society - Members of the Mount Nittany Society, and the care they demonstrate through their generosity, are the foundation for the University's success. They are the leaders in raising funds for scholarships and fellowships and thus provide a margin of excellence in faculty teaching and research.
• The Laurel Society - Laurel Circle is a recognition level within the Mount Nittany Society intended to recognize those who have made an irrevocable commitment to the University of at least $1 million
• The George W. Atherton Society - Named for Penn State's seventh President, The George W. Atherton Society honors a dedicated and special group of individuals: benefactors who have chosen to include Penn State in their estate plans or in a planned gift arrangement.