Trinity’s Long Walk Societies presents endless benefits

MAGGIE ELIAS ’17

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Long Walk Societies (LWS) were formed in 1992 as a way to show the College’s appreciation for leadership donations to Trinity College. The LWS bring together generations of donors and volunteers – veteran leaders and emerging leaders – to support virtually every aspect of academic and student life.

LWS members are civic-minded alumni and parents, engaged members of the community who give at the leadership level. Their unrestricted gifts are investments in an exceptional liberal arts education, and these members choose to prioritize Trinity College in their philanthropy. This past year, LWS members represented 83% of all giving to Trinity.

The benefits of LWS are endless. Members are recognized in Trinity’s Annual Report of Philanthropy and at LWS events. There are several events and receptions throughout the year on campus and regionally throughout the country. In addition, members can network with Trinity’s most active and generous donors, alumni, and volunteers.

Another opportunity for LWS members is to attend Industry Series events hosted by successful Trinity alumni. Last year, a Real Estate event was held. It was hosted and moderated by Mark Ravesloot ’79, P’11,’15, and a vice chairman in CBRE: Commercial Real Estate Services’ Manhattan Office. In addition, the panel featured Jon Estreich ’75, of Estreich & Company, Peter Duncan ’81, P’13,’14, of George Comfort & Sons, Inc., and Lisa Cadette Detwiler ’87, of Corcoran Group real estate. These alumni spoke about commercial and residential real estate climates in New York City. In addition, they offered their thoughts as well as responded tactfully to a question and answer session between audience and panel.

This year the LWS is looking to host Series events about the public relations and advertising industry, the fashion industry, and possibly the technology or film industry on the west coast. These events are all at no cost to LWS members.

There are many different society levels within the LWS, beginning at a gift of $2,000. However, a distinctive part of the LWS is the young members aspect. Trinity’s young alumni, through the 10th reunion, can become members with a gift of $100 multiplied by the number of years since graduation. In addition, these young alumni have the option of paying for their gift in monthly payments, rather than all at once. This allows the younger members of the Trinity community give back to their alma mater in a much more reasonable fashion.

This year, the Board of Trustees is challenging young alumni from the Classes of 2006 to 2015. Members of the board have pledged $200,000 to help fund the Young Alumni Scholarship Challenge Program. If 100 young alumni donate LWS level gifts by Nov. 17, there will be a scholarship named in honor of the LWS. As of Oct. 25, there have only been 20 out of 100 donations made.

The members of the LWS are individuals who are dedicated to supporting Trinity College, interested in building relationships and connections among its passionate parents and alumni, and dedicated to engaging and influencing the future of the institution.

The gifts from young members, parents, and older alumni towards the Long Walk Societies — no matter the amount — make a huge impact on the lives of current and future Bantams.