Women of Marian Society

History and Founding

The Women of Marian Society, established in 2020, serves to honor Marian University’s foundresses, the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana, and founding as a women’s college. Its mission is to celebrate the contributions of women in Marian’s history and expand opportunities for women at Marian for generations to come. The society seeks to honor, extend, and advance the legacy of Marian’s women graduates, as well as provide opportunities for women to grow as leaders at Marian and in their community. 

The name “Women of Marian” was originally coined for graduates of Marian College when it served as a women’s college from 1937-54. Annual gatherings of the Women of Marian happened throughout the years and evolved into an annual luncheon held on campus. Beginning in 2010, an official Women of Marian luncheon began on campus and invitations were extended to various women stakeholders. This luncheon has been held annually under various names, but all focused on serving to bring women of Marian together. 

Membership in the Women of Marian Society is based on gifts during Marian University’s fiscal year between July 1 and June 30. Membership benefits are offered for one full year of events based on gift date (e.g. September gift include benefits through August of the following year). Gifts benefit the Women of Marian Endowed Scholarship.

The Women of Marian Society provides opportunities for its members to: 

• Gather with like-minded, philanthropic women for events and programs focused on common experiences and needs.
• Join a passionate group of women to enhance opportunities for Marian's women students and leaders through scholarships.
• Network with women of all generations to learn and grow from one another.

Giving Circles

Circles within the Women of Marian Society honor the founders of Marian University. Members include alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Marian who recognize that women’s philanthropy has the potential to transform the next generation of women leaders of Marian.

Funds from giving circles will be distributed through scholarships for Marian University women students with criteria for the awards approved annually by members of the Women of Marian Society Committee.

Clare Circle – $1,000 or more annually 

• Complimentary attendance at the summer Women of Marian event
• Complimentary attendance at the fall/holiday Women of Marian event
• Member of Women of Marian advisory council (voluntary, not required)
• Input on the criteria for scholarships to be awarded with Women of Marian funds
  

Dillhoff Circle – $500-999 annually 

• Complimentary attendance at the summer Women of Marian event
• Complimentary attendance at the fall/holiday Women of Marian event
• Input on the criteria for scholarships to be awarded with Women of Marian funds

Hackelmeier Circle – $250-499 annually

• Complimentary attendance at the summer Women of Marian event
• Input on the criteria for scholarships to be awarded with Women of Marian funds

NEW! Young Alumni Circle – $100 annually

• For alumni ten or fewer years post any degree
• Complimentary attendance at the summer Women of Marian event
• Input on the criteria for scholarships to be awarded with Women of Marian funds

1851 Circle – $18.51 annually

• For current Marian University students
• Complimentary attendance at the summer Women of Marian event
• Event and networking opportunities with Women of Marian Society members

Events and Programs

The Women of Marian Society offers quarterly signature events. These are free to society members, as listed above, with reasonable ticket prices for guests to attend. Any income earned from guest attendance at these events benefits the Women of Marian Scholarship Endowment.

Below are our upcoming signature events with dates:

April 19, 2024 - Graduation Celebration, at Allison Mansion
July 27, 2024 - Summer Luncheon, at Alumni Hall
December 5, 2024 - Holiday Wine Tasting, at Allison Mansion
February 8, 2025 - Galentine's Day Celebration, at Alumni Hall

Besides our signature events, society members are also invited to participate in regular service opportunities, campus visits/tours, and tailgating.

(Check the Marian events calendar for more upcoming events)

Committee

Women of Marian Society members at the Clare Circle ($1,000 annually) or Young Alumni ($100) are eligible to serve in a leadership role on the society’s committee. The committee’s role is to coordinate events, drive society recruitment and communications, and recommend scholarship criteria.

Scholarships and Grants

To date, just over $200,000 has been raised for scholarships. Our goal is to increase funding to award eight each academic year, two per undergraduate class year.

Scholarship criteria for Women of Marian Scholarships include leadership, service, mission alignment, involvement, academic success, etc. The criteria is updated annually in partnership with the Office of Financial Aid with input from the Women of Marian Society Committee.

Gifts to the Women of Marian Society are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.