Giving Societies

Launched in 2016 and named for Calhoun's 10th Head of School, the Steve Nelson Society recognizes donors who support the annual fund at a leadership level of $10,000 and above. Steve Nelson's leadership is evident in every facet of our school, especially the addition of four additional floors to the 81st Street building, including the Green Roof, new science labs, new spaces for art, music, athletics and performing arts, and a new library and cafeteria. In addition to the physical changes Steve championed, he also established a robust financial aid program and, in collaboration with faculty and administrators, enhanced and developed the curriculum to encourage our students to become creative, independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

Launched in 2008, the Beir Society recognizes donors who support the annual fund at the leadership level of $2,500 to $9,999. The Beir Society is named in honor of Life Trustee Robert L. Beir, who passed away in the spring of 2009 at the age of 91, after a 30+ year affiliation with Calhoun. During that time, he led the fundraising efforts to construct the school's main building on West 81st Street in 1975, as well as the purchase and renovation of the 74th Street building in 1989, which is named in his honor. Bob held a long tenure as the school's board president before he was named an Honorary Trustee and then Life Trustee. His most treasured role was as a faculty member in Calhoun's Upper School, teaching elective courses on F.D.R. and U.S. foreign policy.

The 1896 Circle is a way for alumni to honor the founding and rich history of their alma mater. As a society, it recognizes the consistent participation of alumni who invest in the Calhoun Annual Fund for three or more consecutive school years, at any giving level. Young alums who make a gift while in college are also automatically included. For more information, see 1896 Circle.

​The Lil Lulkin Giving Society for Faculty and Staff recognizes philanthropic dedication to Calhoun. Membership begins with all current and former Calhoun faculty and staff who give a gift to the annual fund. Our goal has always been to reach 100% faculty and staff participation, and we are grateful for each and every gift to the annual fund we receive! Lil Lulkin taught kindergarten at Calhoun for 35 years (1969-2004), touching the lives of more than 525 children. She was also a dedicated supporter of The Calhoun Annual Fund, faithfully donating every year that she worked at Calhoun and after her retirement, giving each year without fail until her passing in 2013.

Parent/Guardian: As families of twelfth graders look ahead to the next phase of their child’s education, we encourage them to support the annual fund with gifts in tribute to their child's time at Calhoun and the next generation of students. This special tradition of augmented gifts is the celebration of an important milestone and a meaningful demonstration of a lasting commitment to the Calhoun community.

Student: We encourage members of the senior class to make their own nominal participatory gifts to the school, separate from those of their families, which serve to affirm students' commitment to their education and establish a lifetime habit of giving back to Calhoun. With students, we stress that the act of giving is far more important than the amount of the gift. Donations can be made in honor of a faculty or staff member who has particularly impacted a student's experience, with tributes listed in the annual report.