Pioneer Society - Kansas Wesleyan University

Sharing in Mission

The Pioneer Society is a group of extraordinary alumni, community, business, and campus leaders who believe in the mission of Kansas Wesleyan University and whose support honors the mission of Kansas Wesleyan University. Each day, meaningful contributions from Pioneer Society members touch the lives of hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and community members. Most notably, the important investments made by Pioneer Society members help sustain key fundamentals of the university’s mission. Your gift allows KWU to continue to provide a faith-based, values-centered education.

Give to KWU Today

Showing the Way

“Your membership in the Pioneer Society is an expression of your commitment to the mission of Kansas Wesleyan University. Your generosity and individual leadership support initiatives that provide quality education, transform our students’ lives and prepare graduates to be leaders in their chosen professions. Thank you for the spirit and passion you bring to this community.”

—Matt Thompson, Ph.D., President & CEO, Kansas Wesleyan University

Inspirational Philanthropy

Hope in Motion

Leadership gifts made by Pioneer Society members help Kansas Wesleyan University to:

Advance an innovative, engaged learning focus
Create a beautiful and energetic campus environment
Fund scholarships, student life programs, and new academic initiatives
Instill in students a core of intellectual, physical, and spiritual strength
Support faculty professional development, library acquisitions, and technology upgrades
Inspire service learning, community involvement, and social responsibility
Sustain Coyote athletic distinction
Increase student-faculty research and collaboration
Offer fine arts and lecture series
Provide students with an excellent educational preparation to lead successful, productive lives

To become a member of the Pioneer Society, you can make a gift through our secure online giving site. For more information about the Pioneer Society or how to become a member, contact the Advancement Office at 785-833-4392.

Pioneer Society Membership

As a member of the Pioneer Society, you will join others who share the same beliefs as the pioneers that came before us. As a Pioneer Society Member, you will receive campus updates and invitations to college events. Most importantly, you will be making a positive difference in students’ lives while helping secure Kansas Wesleyan’s place as one of the nation’s premier private colleges.

Membership in the Pioneer Society is extended to donors who contribute gifts of $1,000 or more to Kansas Wesleyan University in the University’s fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

You belong in this group of extraordinary alumni, community, business, and campus leaders who believe in the mission of Kansas Wesleyan University and whose support honors the leadership of a brilliant visionary. Please join the Pioneer Society today by making a Pioneer-level gift, or contribute at one of the esteemed Circle levels, which offer new traditions for consequential Pioneer Society philanthropy.

Alumni who have yet to celebrate a 10th reunion, as well as faculty and staff of the University, become members at a discount of one-half the gift level amount.

Give Today

Joining the Pioneer Society

Make your leadership gift today in support of Kansas Wesleyan University through our secure online giving site. Your investment in KWU helps us fulfill our mission and continues to serve the best and brightest students!

Give Now

Annual Membership Gift Levels

$500-$999 Mayo Circle
$1000-$1885 Stolz Circle
$1,886-$2,499 Stanton Circle
$2,500 -$4,999 Schuyler Circle
$5,000-$9,999 T.W. Roach Circle
$10,000-$24,999 Lockwood Circle
$25,000+ Pioneer Partners

Graduates from the last decade and KWU faculty and staff may join at the Mayo Circle level. For more information, please contact the Advancement Office at 785-833-4392.

Pioneer Society 2020-21 and 2021-22

Thank you to our Pioneer Society members. Your investment in KWU helps us fulfill our mission and continues to serve the best and brightest students!

View Member Donation List

A Lifetime of Pioneers

Henry M. Mayo

Henry M. Mayo was the first graduate of Kansas Wesleyan. He was a Methodist minister serving the area district at various churches his entire life. His granddaughter, Helen Mayo Graves, is the mother of Martha Graves Reese ’74 and former Governor Bill Graves ’76.

Dr. M.M. Stolz

Dr. M.M. Stolz understood the need for an institution of higher education under the auspices of the Church; it was he, who at the Beloit Conference of 1883, seconded the resolution calling for the establishment of such an institution. Stolz was instrumental in laying the cornerstone of the administration building.

Dr. Aaron Schuyler

Dr. Aaron Schuyler was a man of rare intellectual and spiritual gifts. During his time at Kansas Wesleyan, he was praised for his splendid work as a scholar, teacher, and administrator. He served as President and Schuyler Hall was named in his honor.

Dr. John Lockwood

Dr. John Lockwood, at the Beloit Conference in 1883, asked that steps be initiated toward the establishment of Kansas Wesleyan. His family later gave a generous gift to the university and Lockwood Hall was named in his honor.

T.W. Roach

T.W. Roach was responsible for launching the Kansas Wesleyan Business College in 1892. For 21 years, Dr. Roach gave the very best of his teaching and administrative gifts to the building of the university and the Business College. Roach Street in Salina bears his name.

Dr. Marshall Stanton

Dr. Marshall Stanton led Kansas Wesleyan for more than 18 years as President and CEO. He took KWU from some of its worst financial years to ensuring the university was financially stable by a major increase in the KWU endowment from $1.8M to over $18M in 2003.

Pioneer Society of Giving