Special Gift Recognition
The 1890 Society
The 1890 Society was established to recognize individuals who have made leadership financial contributions to Choate Rosemary Hall. Recognition categories named to celebrate important aspects of the school’s history, allow donors to join the Society at giving levels ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 and above.
The 1890 Society members are invited to attend special receptions, programs and performances throughout the academic year, including the annual New York City Donors and Volunteers Recognition Event held each spring. Members are also prominently listed in the Annual Report of Giving.
Special gatherings for The 1890 Society will be held in concert with select school programs such as:
- Matriculation
- the Adlai Stevenson and Krause Lecture Series
- Deerfield Day
- the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
- Festival of Lessons and Carols
- the Fall Play
- Winter Cabaret and annual Spring Musical
- the annual 6th Form Banquet
- the Alumni Prize Ceremony
- Commencement
The 1890 Society Giving Levels
Trustees Circle: $50,000 and over. Honors individuals who give to the school at the highest level. These donors are accorded special recognition by the Choate Rosemary Hall Board of Trustees.
President’s Circle: $25,000-$49,999. Honors the current President and Headmaster of Choate Rosemary Hall.
St. John Society: $15,000-$24,999. Honors George St. John, The Choate School Headmaster, 1908-1947; and his son, Seymour St. John '31, The Choate School Headmaster, 1947-1973.
Ruutz-Rees Society: $10,000-$14,999. Honors Caroline Ruutz-Rees, founder and Headmistress of Rosemary Hall, 1890-1930.
Ayres Society: $5,000-$9,999. Honors the lifelong dedication of former faculty member Russell Ayres, his wife Jean and their six sons, all of whom graduated from both Choate and Harvard.
Founders Club: $2,500-$4,999. Honors the founding of Rosemary Hall, The Choate School and Choate Rosemary Hall.
The Blue and Gold League
The Blue and Gold League recognizes Choate’s young alumni who have made entry level gifts to The1890 Society and have yet to celebrate a 15th Reunion. Members of The Blue and Gold League are also:
- invited to attend special receptions, programs, and performances throughout the academic year
- prominently listed in the Annual Report of Giving
- honored at the spring Donors and Volunteers Recognition Event.
Kennedy Partner: $1,000 to $2,499. Honors the late John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States and a member of the Choate class of 1935.
Hart Partner: $500 to $999. Honors the late Larry Hart ’29 for the establishment of the “Mr. C. Challenge,” a matching gift program for young alumni, and for his boundless enthusiasm for and commitment to Choate Rosemary Hall.
Consecutive Giving Recognition
In recognition of the importance of consistent annual giving in ensuring Choate’s long-term financial security, The Chairman’s Alliance and The Paul Mellon Club honor those donors who have given to the school for ten or more consecutive years.
The Chairman's Alliance: Honors the Chairman of the Choate Rosemary Hall Board of Trustees and recognizes alumni, parents, and friends for ten or more consecutive years of giving at The 1890 Society entry level of $2,500 and above.
The Paul Mellon Club: Honors the late Choate philanthropist Paul Mellon ’25 and recognizes donors who have made gifts at any level for ten or more consecutive years.
Wild Boar Club: Recognizes young alumni (graduates of less than 15 years) who give for five or more consecutive years at the Blue and Gold League levels.
Special Parents Recognition
The Choate Rosemary Hall Parents Fund — Partners for Excellence in Education
In recognition of the partnership existing between the school community and Choate parents, Partners for Excellence in Education honors the shared commitment to providing students with the best possible educational experience.
Partners in Community: $2,500 - $4,999
Partners in Commitment: $5,000 - $14,999
Partners in Achievement: $15,000 - $24,999
Partners in Distinction: $25,000 and above