Giving
The Highlander
Society
Honoring Transformation
Opening doors at America’s most transformative university
For those who seek to do more than address problems, the Highlander Society offers a chance to invest in UC Riverside’s mission and vision. As a member, you join a community of visionary supporters empowering pioneering students and researchers who are redefining what’s possible.
When UCR’s first graduating class championed the Highlander identity, they created a legacy of innovation. Today, as a Highlander Society member, you can do the same. Your gifts help ensure that ideas born at UCR don’t just take shape in the classroom or lab—they have the support they need to launch into the world and create lasting impact.
The story behind the gift...
Trailblazing educator Vera Machado Martinez started a scholarship to empower the next generation of educational leaders.
Recognition Benefits
For your cumulative lifetime giving of $25,000 or more, you are recognized in one of these levels. Each level is recognized and celebrated in distinct ways, including:
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Highlander Leader
$25,000 to $99,999
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
- Access to the Tartan Society Book Club
- VIP invitations and access to Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
- Invitation to the annual Gala
- Special invitation to regional events
- Opportunities to connect with the UCR faculty and staff
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
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Highlander Benefactor
$100,000 to $499,999
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
- Access to the Tartan Society Book Club
- VIP invitations and access to Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
- Invitation to the annual Gala
- Special invitation to regional events
- Opportunities to connect with the UCR faculty and staff
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
-
Highlander Guardian
$500,000 to $999,999
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
- Access to the Tartan Society Book Club
- VIP invitations and access to Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
- Invitation to the annual Gala
- Special invitation to regional events
- Opportunities to connect with the UCR faculty and staff
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
-
Highlander Pioneer
$1M to $4.9M
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
- Access to the Tartan Society Book Club
- VIP invitations and access to Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
- Invitation to the annual Gala
- Special invitation to regional events
- Opportunities to connect with the UCR faculty and staff
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
-
Highlander Visionary
$5M+
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
- Access to the Tartan Society Book Club
- VIP invitations and access to Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
- Invitation to the annual Gala
- Special invitation to regional events
- Opportunities to connect with the UCR faculty and staff
- Exclusive level-specific memorabilia
FAQ
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What is the Highlander Society?
The Highlander Society is UCR’s major giving society. This group of generous Highlanders plays a crucial role in the support of students, faculty, research, programs, and facilities. Highlander Society membership begins with cumulative lifetime giving of $25,000 or more to any UCR school, department, or program.
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Am I in the Highlander Society?
Your Highlander Society membership is automatic in the calendar year after lifetime cumulative giving amounts to $25,000 or more to any area on campus. For any questions on membership, please reach out to the Stewardship & Donor Relations team at donorrelations@ucr.edu.
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Which gifts count toward Highlander Society eligibility?
The following gift types will be counted toward membership qualification:
- Outright gifts including payroll deduction
- Corporate matching gifts
- Pledges wherein UCR has received at least the first pledge payment
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Is the Highlander Society different than the Chancellor’s Associates?
Yes, in 2023 the Highlander Society launched as a part of an expansion of our donor recognition offerings, and alongside the Tartan Society, replaced the Chancellor’s Associates.
Stories of Transformation
From scholarships and basic needs to state-of-the-art labs and buildings, there’s often a story of vision and hope moving UC Riverside’s generous supporters forward.
Did You Know...
In 1954, numerous nominations for campus mascots were presented to UCR’s pioneer class — Rocks, Tigers, and Aphids to name a few. "Hylander" emerged from a spirited write-in campaign. Later changed to "Highlander," the theme acknowledged the campus' elevation relative to the rest of the city. Scottish traditions naturally evolved.
