1876 Society
The purpose of the 1876 Society is to recognize those who have remembered the University of the Arts in their estate plans, and through their example, to encourage others to do the same. Members of the 1876 Society receive invitations to special events and educational programs and are recognized in the annual Donor Report.
To join the 1876 Society, simply inform us that you have remembered the University of the Arts in your will, retirement plan or life insurance policy. You can also work with us to make an investment that both benefits UArts and earns you income during your lifetime.
Inquiries are confidential and carry no obligations. For more information or to notify us that you have already included UArts in your estate plans, please contact Andrew Pack, Vice President for Development, by calling 215-717-6147 or apack@uarts.edu.
Testimonials by 1876 Society members:
Sydney Rockefeller BFA '66 (Painting)
Though Sydney Rockefeller had been an artist her whole life, her education at University of the Arts was crucial in shaping the trajectory of her life. Following graduation, she worked as a graphic designer for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and then moved to Boston, where she freelanced as a designer and a sculptor. In Boston, she also became more involved in philanthropy, serving on the Institute of Contemporary Art board and later becoming its director. As Sydney developed her estate plans, she decided to remember University of the Arts in her will. “After working and volunteering in the nonprofit world for so many years,” Sydney says, “I have seen the impact a planned gift can have on growing an organization, and I wanted to do that for UArts."
Chris Ransom BFA '82 (Graphic Design)
Graphic designer, photographer, and emeritus professor Chris Ransom has built a multifaceted career in which education has occupied a key role. Not long before his retirement, he included a bequest to UArts in his living trust. "A trust represents a magnificent tool that enables one, while present, to allocate and come to terms with what you would like to have happen in the future."
Ruth K. Colten '44 (Illustration)
Ruth attended Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Arts on scholarship and loved her instructors Renzetti, Schell and Sweeney. The University was honored to be included among the beneficiaries that Ruth supported through her estate. Her generous gift endowed the Ruth K. Colten Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates artistic promise and financial need.
Sigrid Berwind, former Trustee
Ms. Berwind served as a University of the Arts trustee from 1998 until her death in 2008. Thanks to Sigrid's gracious contribution through her estate, UArts is able to offer the annual Sigrid Berwind Scholarship to a student with artistic merit who is pursuing a degree in Fine Arts.