The COVID-19 pandemic may have forced Manchester’s Advancement Office to cancel this year’s Evening of Gratitude on April 18, but MU’s appreciation for its most loyal donors is as deep as ever.

“The annual dinner for new members of the Otho Winger Society and the Tower Society is our way of thanking these generous people,” says Melanie Harmon, vice president for advancement. “It’s also a way for us to come together to celebrate what Manchester means to us and the world.” 

The Tower Society recognizes donors who have cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more during their lifetimes. New Tower Society members this year are:

Martin and Connie Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Gilmore
Mr. John D. Hollinger and Mrs. Carol Engle Hollinger
Mr. C. Scott Hullinger and Ms. Julie Hullinger
Mr. Richard M. Kuns
Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt

The Otho Winger Society was created to celebrate one of the University’s great leaders and to recognize donors who have included Manchester in their estate plans or have established a deferred gift with Manchester. New Otho Winger Society members this year are:

Carol Shank Colclasure
Dr. Jeffrey Easley
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Robertson
Ms. Julie Yeater

Membership in the Tower Society and the Otho Winger Society represents the best spirit of Manchester, Harmon says. 

“These special donors believe in the mission of the University and they reflect that mission in the way they live their personal and professional lives,” Harmon added. “Many Manchester donors give sacrificially and from a place deep in their hearts. They tell us often how their experience as students set them on a path for meaningful, productive lives, and they give back because they want today’s young people to have the same kind of education and student experience that they treasure.”

Though most of Manchester’s buildings on the North Manchester and Fort Wayne campuses are closed for the rest of spring semester, the University is open, virtually. Faculty members are teaching students remotely, and many MU employees are working from home. That includes the entire Advancement team, Harmon says.

Development officers continue their outreach by phone, email or teleconference. The Alumni Relations staff is planning future events, and the Advancement Services team continues to process gifts and update records. 

Particularly in uncertain economic times, The Manchester Fund is one of the most effective ways to support MU students, Harmon says. She encourages those interested in helping our students to explore those options here.