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Reach your personal, financial and philanthropic goals all while helping Elon thrive for many years to come.

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Order of the Oak

Elon University's Order of the Oak

Elon's legacy society was established in 1988 under the leadership of Vice President Emerita Dr. Jo Watts Williams '55 and President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley '46 to acknowledge alumni and friends who have committed a planned gift to help ensure Elon's future. Charter membership remained open until March 11, 1989, commemorating Elon College's one-hundredth anniversary. The Order of the Oak

Today, the Order of the Oak continues to thrive. Celebrating approximately $29 million in realized gifts to support students and empower Elon's rise since its inception. The legacy society currently boasts over 400 members who have committed nearly $89M in future funds through a combination of will/trust bequests, beneficiary designations, life insurance, annuities, and other planned gifts.

Join the Order of the Oak:

Anyone can join the Order of the Oak Society at any stage of life. It is easy to do, does not have to alter your current lifestyle, and can be modified to address your changing needs. The most straightforward way to become a member of the Order of the Oak is to name Elon a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy, or by making a simple bequest in your will or trust. Membership is extended to individuals who make one or more of the following commitments to Elon:

  • Include Elon University in their estate plans
  • Create a charitable life-income arrangement to benefit Elon
  • Name Elon as a beneficiary of retirement assets or life insurance
  • Donate a personal residence or a vacation home to Elon and reserve a life estate

There is no minimum gift amount required for membership in the Order of the Oak. Membership involves no dues, obligations, or solicitations, but it does allow us to thank donors and recognize them for their planned gifts, and it will inspire generosity in others. To join, please share information about your planned gift with Leanna Giles, Associate Director of Planned Giving, at [email protected] or (336) 278-5798.

Join Today

Order of Oak membership includes:

  • An Order of the Oak lapel pin
  • A beautiful charcuterie board, hand crafted by former Elon professor, Dr. Jim Barbour, featuring wood from fashioned from Elon's oak trees
  • Invitations to cultural events and special receptions on campus
  • Recognition on the Order of the Oak donor wall inside historic Whitley Auditorium (all requests for anonymity are honored)
  • Special updates about campus happenings and university news
  • Satisfaction derived from making a lasting contribution to Elon's long-term success
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This site is informational and educational in nature. It is not offering professional tax, legal, or accounting advice. For specific advice about the effect of any planning concept on your tax or financial situation or with your estate, please consult a qualified professional advisor.