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John Priest Greene Society

The John Priest Greene Society is William Jewell's premier annual giving society, honoring the legacy of William Jewell’s longest-serving president.

The John Priest Greene Society is a nationwide network of alumni, parents and friends who are active advocates for William Jewell. This group recognizes members who commit to be sustaining supporters with a $1,200 minimum gift to the Jewell Fund each year. The Jewell Fund is used to support the current needs of William Jewell’s students and faculty. These annual gifts build strength for the Jewell Fund and strength for Jewell, making John Priest Greene Society members an important part of our pursuit of excellence.

Member Levels

William Jewell is grateful for the distinguished group of leadership donors who share an annual commitment to the mission of the College through their John Priest Greene Society membership. In 2025, the Board of Trustees' Development Committee proudly introduced the John Priest Greene Society Benefactor's Circle, recognizing those donors committed to an annual gift of $25,000 or more.

Join or Renew your Membership Today

More about the John Priest Greene Society

  • Member Benefits

    Benefactor’s Circle $25,000+

    • Four tickets to the annual Cardinal Crawl
    • Invitation to the annual Presidents lunch and a meet and greet with students
    • Spring recognition reception
    • Named in annual Donor Honor Roll
    • Recognition in social media and email communication to alumni and donors
    • Personalized brick laid upon the Quad after 3 years of consistent membership
    • Admission to the Homecoming VIP tailgate
    • Semiannual JPGS newsletter
    • John Priest Greene Society branded decal

    President’s Circle $10,000-$24,999

    • Invitation to the annual Presidents lunch and a meet and greet with students
    • Spring recognition reception
    • Named in annual Donor Honor Roll
    • Recognition in social media and email communication to alumni and donors
    • Personalized brick laid upon the Quad after 3 years of consistent membership
    • Admission to the Homecoming VIP tailgate
    • Semiannual JPGS newsletter
    • John Priest Greene Society branded decal

    Founder’s Circle $5,000-$9,999

    • Invitation to the annual Presidents lunch and a meet and greet with students
    • Spring recognition reception
    • Named in annual Donor Honor Roll
    • Personalized brick laid upon the Quad after 3 years of consistent membership
    • Admission to the Homecoming VIP tailgate
    • Semiannual JPGS newsletter
    • John Priest Greene Society branded decal

    Silver $2,500 to $4,999

    • Spring recognition reception
    • Named in annual Donor Honor Roll
    • Personalized brick laid upon the Quad after 3 years of consistent membership
    • Admission to the Homecoming VIP tailgate
    • Semiannual JPGS newsletter
    • John Priest Greene Society branded decal

    Bronze $1,200 to $2,499

    • Spring recognition reception
    • Named in annual Donor Honor Roll
    • Personalized brick laid upon the Quad after 3 years of consistent membership
    • Admission to the Homecoming VIP tailgate
    • Semiannual JPGS newsletter
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  • The Society's Namesake
    About Dr. John Priest Greene

    William Jewell’s longest serving president, Dr.  Greene’s devotion to the College for 30 years as president and 20 years as a Trustee has had a paramount influence on William Jewell’s emergence as a premier national liberal arts learning institution.

    A distinguished pastor in St. Louis, Dr. Greene became the president of William Jewell in 1892. Many of his strong ideals for the College remain central to today’s mission: a sound academic program, democratic in standards and practice where economic and social status do not exist.

    His administration was marked by steady progress, leading William Jewell into the 20th century and through World War I. Under his direction the endowment more than doubled, women were admitted as students, and living conditions were improved with the addition of conveniences such as running water, central heating, electric lights, roads and sidewalks. The landscape of the Hill changed as well, growing to a full campus with two additional classroom buildings, the first gymnasium and library, a second dormitory and the president’s home.

    The native Missourian was known as much for his unquestioned integrity and belief in hard work as he was for his genuine love for people. He was respected for developing personal relationships with faculty, and he knew every student by name. Dr. Greene adopted the College motto still in use today: Deo Fisus Labora means “trust in God and work,” and that’s exactly how he lived his life.

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