Planned Giving

The St. Clare Society

The St. Clare Society honors the uncommon generosity of those benefactors who have demonstrated the ultimate commitment to  Alvernia by providing for future of the university through a planned or deferred gift. They personify a special devotion to this institution and to our mission that is truly extraordinary. St. Clare Society members ensure that the transforming education described in our motto, To Learn, To Love, To Serve, will thrive for generations to come.

Established in 1998, the society is named in honor of St. Clare of Assisi, a generous 13th Century noblewoman who, moved by the eloquence of St. Francis, gave up everything to devote her life to the Lord. Her heart burned with a great desire to imitate Francis in leading a humble, poor life for Christ. At the age of 17, she secretly left home to join the Order of the Franciscans. Her family tried every conceivable ploy to make her return, but she persisted in her desire to follow God, ultimately founding an order of nuns known as the Order of the Poor Ladies, commonly called Poor Clares. Alvernia University gratefully acknowledges the selfless loyalty and remarkable dedication of those listed in The St. Clare Society Honor Roll, not only because of their incredible largesse, but also because their leadership is an inspiration to others.