The President's Associates are those alumni and friends who, through exemplary and generous support of Lees-McRae, are associated with the President in providing leadership to the College. Within the President's Associates are The Edgar Tufts Society, The Trustees Society, The W.C. Tate Society, The S.P. Lees Society, The Green and Gold Society, and The Elizabeth McRae Society.

The Edgar Tufts Society. . . .Annual Contributions of $50,000 and above

Lees-McRae's most prestigious giving society honors our founder, the Reverend Edgar Tufts, who came to the area in 1895 as a seminary student. Present day Lees-McRae College was started as a "fireside school" in the Tufts' home. Reverend Tufts led the Institute until his death in 1923. He was succeeded by his son Edgar H. Tufts (1923-1942).

The Trustees Society . . . Annual Contributions of $25,000 to $49,999

The Trustees Society recognizes the leadership provided by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the College. For nearly 100 years, Lees-McRae College has been led by these individuals, dedicated and faithful to the College's mission.

The W. C. Tate Society . . . Annual Contributions of $10,000 to $24,999

This society honors Dr. W. C. Tate, the third president of Lees-McRae (1942-1946; 1947-1950). Dr. and Mrs. Tate came to Banner Elk in 1910, succeeding Dr. Charles Reed in providing medical care to the people of this still remote area.

The S. P. Lees Society . . . Annual Contributions of $5,000 to $9,999

This society bears the name of Mrs. S. P. Lees of New York, a friend and benefactor of the Institute. In 1903, in recognition of her generosity, her name was added to create the Lees-McRae Institute.

The Green and Gold Society . . . Annual Contributions of $2,500 to $4,999

The Elizabeth McRae Society . . . Annual Contributions of $1,000 to $2,499

In September 1900, "The Elizabeth McRae Institute," a boarding school for women opened in Banner Elk. The name honored Mrs. Elizabeth McRae of Maxton, North Carolina, a dedicated church worker, teacher and home missionary.

Also receiving annual recognition are members of:

The Pinnacle Club (for annual contributions of $500 to $999)
The Tower Club (for annual contributions of $100 to $499)
The Wily Club (for annual contributions of $1 to $99)

For more information about the Recognition Societies at Lees-McRae College, contact Leslie Carter, Senior Director of Advancement, at (828) 898-2492 or carterlj@lmc.edu; or Michelle Vance Scott '86/'90, Director of the Lees-McRae Fund at (828) 898-2489 or scottmv@lmc.edu.