Founded in 1898, DePaul University has thrived thanks to the investment and support of its community of donors. The 1898 Society is an assembly of alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends that have committed to continuing this tradition by giving $1,000 or more annually. 1898 Society members are encouraged to direct their annual gifts to the causes that are most meaningful to them personally. In this way, the university will continue to grow according to the inspiration and vision of its most dedicated members. 

1898 Society membership is open to all those who are invested in the university at this level. If you would like to become a member make your gift of $1,000 or more today.

The Rev. John R. Cortelyou, C.M., served DePaul University for more than 60 years, including as president. During his tenure, Fr. Cortelyou established new schools, advanced DePaul’s academic standing, and oversaw the construction of numerous buildings. His innate skills as a teacher and listener won him the deep admiration of all who knew him.

Like Fr. Cortelyou, those who include DePaul in their estate plans leave a lasting legacy on the university and its students. John R. Cortelyou Heritage Society (CHS) membership is open to all those who include DePaul in their estate plans. CHS members make gifts through wills, trusts, retirement plans, giving techniques that provide income during their lives, life insurance, and other creative giving methods. This generosity helps ensure that the university will thrive in its mission to students for generations to come.

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Loyal donors are the cornerstone of the DePaul community, helping DePaul carry out our mission year after year. The True Blue Society was established in 2013 to recognize alumni and friends who give to DePaul for three or more consecutive years. These generous individuals understand that consistent annual investments, no matter the size, transform lives.

Gifts of any amount to any area of DePaul are counted towards True Blue membership. Consecutive years of giving are counted by fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.

The Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M., DePaul University’s ninth president, was a transformative leader. He served as president of DePaul from 1981-93 and chancellor from 1993-2017. During his tenure, Fr. Richardson led an historic expansion of the university, raised the university's academic stature and strengthened DePaul's impact on the city of Chicago. Under his leadership, the university embarked on its unprecedented $100 million Cornerstone Campaign, resulting in major expansions of DePaul's campuses in both the Loop and Lincoln Park.

Like Fr. Richardson’s transformative leadership, members of the Richardson Society transform DePaul through their philanthropic investment. The Richardson Society recognizes DePaul’s most generous donors for their life-long commitment to advancing the mission of our urban, Catholic and Vincentian university.