Fellows Society

From its early days as an agricultural and mechanical college to its prominent place today as one of the nation’s leading research universities, the University of Kentucky has enhanced the lives of countless individuals within and far beyond the state’s borders.

To achieve its reputation for educational excellence, the University has supplemented state support with private gifts since its founding more than 130 years ago.

The University of Kentucky Fellows Society was created to encourage ever greater private support for the University and to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to advancing the institution’s mission of education, research and service. The Fellows Society honors those alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and organizations that provide enduring and generous support for the University.

The commitment of these special benefactors has made the difference between adequacy and excellence for the institution.

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Membership Levels

There are five membership levels within the Fellows Society. Membership is accorded all donors who fulfill the following:

University Fellows are donors to the University of $10,000 or more in cash or cash equivalent, or those individuals who signify by appropriate means a bequest or permanent life insurance with the intention to give $50,000 or more to the University. University Fellows membership is limited to alumni and friends.

Henry Stites Barker Fellows contribute $50,000 or more in cash or cash equivalent, or put in place a deferred gift of $250,000 or more. Corporations, foundations, trusts and organizations recognition begins at the Barker Fellows Level.

John Bryan Bowman Fellows contribute $250,000 or more in cash or cash equivalent or put in place a deferred gift of $1,250,000 or more.

James Kennedy Patterson Fellows contribute $500,000 or more in cash or cash equivalent, or put in place a deferred gift of $2,500,000 or more.

Presidential Fellows contribute $1,000,000 or more in cash or cash equivalent, or put in place a deferred gift of $5,000,000 or more.

Past gifts may be applied toward membership in the Fellows Society.

Future gifts and pledges may be designated to the college or program of choice.

Husband and wife may be recognized as joint Fellows with no additional commitment.

A Fellows Society pledge may be paid over a 10–year period. While this pledge does not in any way legally bind the donor or his/her estate, it is hoped that the donor will provide for any unpaid portion through testamentary provision.

A person may become a member of the Fellows Society by having this honor conferred upon him/her by another contributor. Similarly, a deceased person may be named a Fellows Society member in memoriam.

Gifts may be designated by the donor for immediate use or as an endowment for any college or program within the University.

Undesignated gifts allow the flexibility to respond to pressing needs and to seize educational opportunities. The President and the UK Development Council determine which projects receive funding from undesignated gifts.

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Courtesies and Benefits

The greatest benefit of membership in the University of Kentucky Fellows Society is the knowledge that, through your generosity, the University will continue its quest for excellence. However, the members of the Fellows Society receive certain courtesies and benefits as a way of recognizing the special position they hold within the University community.

Fellows Society lapel pinAll Fellows Society members receive a Fellows Society plaque, lapel pin and an invitation to the annual Fellows Society black–tie dinner and other selected University events. Fellows Society members are also eligible to become members of the Hilary J. Boone Faculty Center and Spindletop Hall, the University’s faculty, staff and alumni club.

Barker, Bowman, Patterson and Presidential Fellows also receive a personalized memento, special University library privileges, an attachment for their Fellows plaque and a personalized certificate of membership printed by the UK Library’s King Library Press.

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Fellows History

The University of Kentucky development program had its genesis in the University’s centennial celebration year of 1965. It was not just a year of reflection, but a time to contemplate the future and enhance the institution as it entered its second century.

Securing support for the University from the private sector was given priority. Alumni and friends from throughout the country were recruited to help in the effort. The UK Development Council was created, and before 1966 had passed, the council formed the UK Fellows. The purpose of the Fellows Society was to recognize donors for significant contributions to the University. Between December 1966 and June of 1968, the University enrolled 41 Fellows who committed a total of $2.5 million to UK.

It was a magnificent beginning for a program that has been a mainstay of the University’s fund–raising effort for more than 35 years. Except for increasing the deferred gift requirement, the UK Fellows Society has remained unchanged.

The advent of the UK Fellows Society signals a new era in the University’s continuing quest to recognize, in a meaningful way, all of those who share the desire to provide enduring and generous support to the University of Kentucky.

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