Giving Societies

The Patterson Society, founded in 2011, is named in honor of Raymond A. Patterson, Jr. `40, who served Wayland Academy as teacher, coach, and President from 1949 to 1970. His vision led Wayland through an unprecedented period of expansion in enrollment, physical plant, and national reputation.

The Newell Society, founded in 1997, is named in honor of Pastor and Mrs. Benjamin Newell, the first principal and preceptress of Wayland Academy. The Newell Society recognizes donors who give $10,000 to $24,999 during the fiscal year.

The 1855 Society was created in 2002 by the Board of Trustees to encourage annual support leading up to the Academy's Sesquicentennial (150 years) Celebration.

The 1855 Society has three giving levels:

• President—$5,000–$9,999
• Francis Wayland—$2,500–$4,999
• 1855 Level—$1,000–$2,499

Previously known as The Cordial Society, this giving society was renamed in 2020 to honor retiring Head of School Joseph A. Lennertz H`86 for his more than 40-year career at the Academy.  

The Lennertz Society has three giving levels:

• Cordial—$500–$999
• Faculty—$400–$499
• Senior—$300–$399

The Greetings Society is named for the Academy’s alumni news magazine, which is the nation’s oldest alumni publication, and celebrates participation at all levels.

The Greetings Society has three giving levels:

• Junior—$100–$299
• Sophomore—$50–$99
• Freshman—$1 to $49

Alumni and friends of Wayland Academy become members of the Heritage Society by including Wayland in their estate plans or by making the Academy a beneficiary in their wills, retirement plans, life insurance policies, etc. Learn more about planned giving.