The Claflin Society at Boston University was founded by the late Elsbeth Melville (CAS'25), dean of women emerita, to pay tribute to all alumni and friends of the University who have provided for Boston University in their estate plans or who have established life income gifts with the University.

Since the founding of the Claflin Society in 1985, dozens of alumni and friends have joined the society each year, so that membership in 2006 stands at more than 550 individuals. Claflin members are honored at a luncheon held each spring on the Boston University campus. This event provides members an opportunity to renew ties to the University, to learn about recent developments, and to associate with others who have given similar priority to Boston University. During the past year, Claflin members have also been provided reserved seating at the Elie Wiesel Lectures, were invited to the Boston Pops concert on reunion weekend and were special guests at Boston University Alumni Day at Tanglewood.

Two Ways to Join the Claflin Society

Make a life income gift to Boston University. Example: An alumnus in the fiftieth reunion class donated $10,000 to establish a charitable gift annuity that will provide funds for a scholarship. The alumnus will receive a yearly income for the remainder of his life. He was awarded membership in the Claflin Society for this gift.

Include Boston University in your estate plans. Example: An alumna of the College of Arts and Sciences has specified in her will that Boston University receive a defined percentage of her residual estate after provisions for her family are met. When this information was sent to the Office of Planned Giving, she received an invitation to join the Claflin Society.

• Claflin Society Enrollment Form*

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