Society of 1895 members gather to celebrate their university and share their stories Society of 1895 members gather to celebrate their university and share their stories

Whether it's helping to enhance the department of their former major, giving back to the alma mater that helped prepare them for successful careers or creating a fund to honor a loved one, the future of Wichita State is secure with the help of legacy gifts made yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The WSU Foundation honored 26 new members to the Society of 1895 on April 10 at the Marcus Welcome Center The new members enjoyed a private ceremony emceed by Mike Lamb, the foundation's vice president for planned and annual giving, prior to the luncheon for all members.

During the program, speakers included WSU President John Bardo; Patricia Hileman, whose children have benefited from the services provided by the Evelyn Hendren Cassat Clinic -- programs that were enhanced by Evelyn Cassat's estate gift; and Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. The WSU Madrigals provided the entertainment.

There are 554 donors in the Society of 1895 who have documented 595 planned gifts.

Go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?2859 for photos from the event on the WSU Foundation's Facebook photo album.