Giving
Bell Tower
Society
Honoring Loyalty
Together, we reach great heights
As a member of the Bell Tower Society, you join a vibrant community of students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who come together year after year to create opportunities across every corner of UC Riverside’s campus. Your steadfast support ensures that our trailblazing students, faculty, and staff have the resources they need to stay at the forefront of innovation and research.
One of our longest-standing Bell Tower Society members has been giving to UC Riverside every year since 1969. While the campus has transformed dramatically over the decades, the passion and determination of our students and staff to build a brighter future remain unwavering.
“UCR is a fine example of a place invested in future generations and the community we are fortunate enough to be a part of. I believe my donation is a small but effective way to reflect my own support of each.”
Dennis McIver, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Program Manager, University of California Office of the President
"UC Riverside is changing the world for the better through its world-class teaching, research and public service. I'm grateful for everything UCR has done for me and my family, and giving back is my way of paying it forward to the next generation."
Jeff Girod, '10 Assistant Dean, CHASS Marketing and Communications, UCR
“I give to UCR because we are a vibrant, unique, and resilient community powered by dedicated staff throughout our campus. Despite this, there are few opportunities to provide direct support to them in spite of their tireless effort to move UCR forward. My recurring donation is an easy and automatic way to know that I am helping. When I donate, I rest assured that every penny will support amazing programs that uplift and empower our campus.”
Crystal Petrini, Financial & Administrative Officer, Department of Philosophy, UCR
"I love our campus, I love our students, and I want to be a voice to help uplift UCR and ask for equality among UC campuses. I’m proudly working to leave a strong mark."
Josefina Canchola, '88 President, UCRAA Board of Directors
Why do you give to UC Riverside?
Every story is unique. We’d love to hear yours!
Recognition Benefits
Your generosity is recognized and celebrated at every milestone, including:
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5 consecutive years
Bell Tower Associates receive:
- Custom commemorative decal
- Invitation to Homecoming
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10 consecutive years
Bell Tower Builders receive:
- Custom commemorative decal
- Invitation to Homecoming
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15 consecutive years
Bell Tower Ambassadors receive:
- Custom commemorative decal
- Invitation to Homecoming
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20 consecutive years
Bell Tower Fellows receive:
- Custom commemorative decal
- Invitation to Homecoming with special reserved access
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25 consecutive years
Bell Tower Graduates receive:
- Custom commemorative decal
- Invitation to Homecoming with special reserved access
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30 consecutive years
Bell Tower Laureates receive:
- Custom commemorative decal
- Exclusive branded pen set
- Special letter of thanks from the Chancellor
- Invitation to Homecoming with special reserved access
FAQ
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How do I join the Bell Tower Society?
Membership is automatically granted upon contributing $25 or more annually to a foundation fund for five consecutive years ($10+ for at least 2 consecutive years for current students). Gifts can be given to any foundation fund or area on the UCR campus.
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What gifts count toward my Bell Tower Society membership?
Gifts of $25+ per year ($10+ for current students) can be made to any area on campus to count toward membership. These gifts can include:
- Outright gifts
- Corporate matching gifts
- Pledges with at least the first pledge payment during the necessary time frame
- Payments toward pre-existing pledges
- Payroll deduction
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What about pledges?
Currently, pledges do not count as a part of Bell Tower Society membership.
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Do I have to track my gifts?
No, you do not. Our team of dedicated staff track and maintain membership for you.
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Am I a member of the Bell Tower Society already?
If you have given a qualifying gift of $25 or more for the last 5 years to any area of campus (or $10+ for the last 2 years as a current student), then yes! You are a member of the Bell Tower Society and should be receiving notice soon. You can reach the Stewardship & Donor Relations team at donorrelations@ucr.edu with any further questions you may have on your membership status.
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What if I miss a year?
If you miss a year of consecutive fiscal year giving, your Bell Tower Society membership will lapse. At this time, you cannot “make up” a gift. However, to regain membership in the Bell Tower Society, simply continue a dedicated giving streak for 5 consecutive years, and your membership status will return.
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Why does consistent annual giving matter?
Thousands of small gifts from donors like you add up to millions every year for scholarships, research, program development, basic needs, and more. With these consistent, annual gifts from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends, our campus continues to be a hub where excellence and access meet.
Like our beloved Bell Tower standing tall, ringing the carillon’s music across campus, the impact of your gifts reaches high and far, and echoes beyond UCR into the local Riverside community and our world. It is your ongoing commitment to UCR that enables our campus community to reach great heights – in social mobility, groundbreaking research, and impactful scholarship.
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Who can I contact with questions?
Please reach out to the Stewardship & Donor Relations team at donorrelations@ucr.edu.
“Because Highlanders like you show unwavering support of our mission to transform lives through education, innovation, and discovery, UCR continues to grow and expand in impact and reach.”
Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox, ninth chancellor of the University of California, Riverside
Our Gift to You
Share your Highlander pride with these Zoom backgrounds. To download, click on your favorite background to open it in a new window, then right click (or control + click) and select "save image as."
Make your annual gift today
It’s easy to make or set up your recurring gift today! Developing meaningful solutions to our world’s most pressing questions takes time. By joining the Bell Tower Society and making annual gifts, you help make that important long-term impact possible.
Did You Know...
Dedicated in 1966, and 161 feet tall (that’s 5 fully grown navel orange trees stacked on top of each other), UC Riverside’s Bell Tower is 1 of only 5 true carillons in California. Its largest bell weighs 5,091 pounds (about twice the weight of a Clydesdale horse) and the smallest is just 28 pounds.
