Our Crowdfunding Groups
Gifts 
of every size combine to make a difference for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College! The SMBHC Koi Society is an annual giving initiative that supports our citizen scholars and the experiential learning moments that set the Honors College apart from the typical campus experience.
Since 1997, SMBHC students have gathered around our building’s koi pond for classes, casual conversation, and deep reflection. Koi fish are revered in some cultures for their perseverance in swimming upstream and for representing success, courage, longevity, and good fortune. The koi and honors students share common traits.
You can be recognized as a member of the Koi Society by contributing $1,000 or more annually to support our citizen scholars of the Honors College. Young alumni who graduated in the past one to five years may join with an annual gift of just $100 ($8.34/month). Graduates of the past six to 10 years can join with an annual gift of $500 ($41.67/month). Members will receive an exclusive koi pin as a symbol of their support of the SMBHC.
Members of the Koi Society are also recognized as members of our university’s Flagship Society, the most prestigious annual giving recognition group. Flagship Society members give cumulative annual gifts of $1,000 or more during a single fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) to any academic area of the university.
Membership in the SMBHC Koi Society and the Flagship Society is based on household cumulative giving and is renewed each fiscal year. If you work for a company that matches your charitable giving, please note that corporate matching gifts count toward your membership! UM faculty and staff can also choose to give by payroll deduction, the easiest way to get involved.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
We know that you give back to the SMBHC and the university to pay it forward for the next generation of citizen scholars. Your gifts will directly help enrich the education of all Honors College students. Please give today and join the Koi Society!