Administrative Offices Development Office Macalester College

annual fund    endowed funds    leonard center     institute for global citizenship     planned giving


Summit Society Home
About the Summit Society Committee
Annual Fund Volunteers
Contact us!

Summit Society

The Summit Society encourages young alumni/ae to take ownership of Macalester.

Many believe that all of Macalester’s Summit Society Committee members have descended from the bloodline of Edward Neill, founder of Macalester College.  Neill bled tartan plaid and had an extraordinary passion for furthering education and its ideas as the power for changing society.

Known as a charismatic leader, Neill enjoyed discussing his passion for educational advancement with anyone that would listen.  One fateful day, early in Macalester’s founding, Neill had a meeting to speak with a large women’s group in St. Paul.  This proved to be a pivotal point for the Summit Society Committee.  Many of the attendees of this lecture were so enthralled and inspired by Neill’s work that they asked for personal meetings to further discuss advancing Macalester and global education. 

Summit Society committee members are coy.

One thing led to another, and about nine months later, 31 Neill descendents were born in Saint Paul.  Due to the nature of that era, many of these children were moved all around the world, hidden from the taboo reality of their situation. As time passed, these people grew and started their own families.

Fate and history have slowly drawn these Neillites and their progeny back to Macalester to study the liberal arts from this fine institution. 

After graduation, these engaged, witty, beautiful, dogmatic, devoted Macalester young alumni give their time and energy to Macalester’s Summit Society Committee.  In honor of their heritage and spirit, they volunteer on behalf of the Annual Fund, fostering participation and teaching a culture of philanthropy.  They want you, and everyone, to make some sort of gift to benefit Dear Old Macalester today and in the future.

Martins says, "Why wouldn't you give to Macalester?"

Although this Summit Society history has never been corroborated, the Summit Society Committee welcomes anyone who is interesting in supporting the Annual Fund through volunteering and peer solicitations.   

MAKE A GIFT TODAY»

1874
Charles Macalester founds the Summit Society Committee. Shortly thereafter, Macalester College is born.

1875
The Summit Society Committee completes its first fundraising project, raising $11.65.

1878
The Summit Society Committee achieves 11% donor participation from Macalester's first graduating class

1879
Mountain tops are named after the Summit Society Committee

1885
The Macalester Seal is created portraying the college's belief in the harmony of nature and revelation. One robed figure hold a telescope, representing science investigating nature; another other holds God's word, representing revelation. If you look closely, you will see a third robed figure holding a mountain representing the Summit Society Committee.

1932
Summit Avenue is named after the Summit Society Committee

1986
The Summit Society Committee creates Summit Beer

1997
The Summit Society Committee holds its first annual end-of-the-summer barbecue.

2007
The Summit Society Committee inspires 50% donor participation from its young alumni/ae.

 


Macalester College Development Office · 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105  USA · 1-800-645-3919
Comments and questions to webmaster@macalester.edu