Chapin Society
The Chapin Society, named after Beloit College's first president, Aaron Lucius Chapin, recognizes those individuals, families, and organizations who have committed to a leadership level of generosity. Established in 1967, the Chapin Society acknowledges donors whose gifts are $1000 or more per year. Alumni in the graduating classes of the last decade (GOLD) are invited to join the Chapin Society at special introductory rates.
The Chapin Society logo (above) is based on the beautiful Chapin pin designed in 1989 by internationally renowned jewelry artist and Beloit alumnus, Robert Lee Morris’69 of New York.
Throughout the year, special Chapin Society events are held both at Beloit and in cities across the country. These Chapin events provide unique occasions for the College to recognize and applaud our generous and loyal donors, and they give Chapin members the opportunity to connect with each other and with leaders of the College.
The Chapin Scholars Initiative
Chapin donors have the special privilege of supporting the success of dedicated students who receive Chapin Presidential Scholarships. Through the Chapin Scholars Initiative, Chapin donors are invited to continue their customary support of the College and extend their generosity in support of deserving students who are awarded these prestigious scholarships.
If you have questions about the Chapin Scholars Initiative, please contact Director of Annual Support Programs and Leadership Giving Mark Wold.
Gifts with Immediate Impact
The Chapin Scholars gift you make today assures that students who otherwise may not be able to attend Beloit will indeed be on campus at the start of the year. To appreciate the difference your scholarship gift can make in the life of a Beloit student, see what past scholarship recipients have to say:
The prestigious Chapin Presidential Scholarship was “the linchpin” for Madeleine Roux in choosing Beloit College back in 2003. Eight years later the Minnesota native credits her Beloit experience for her success in landing a publisher for her first novel. Released on Jan.18, 2011 by St. Martins-Macmillan Press, the book Allison Hewitt is Trapped started as a daily blog about a graduate student facing a zombie apocalypse. Through the blog, Madeleine found a devoted following, and a book agent found her. A two-book deal is signed, and rights have been sold to European publishers. When a student, Madeleine says Beloit courses required her to read voluminously, and professors invited her to take risks. Steady encouragement from assistant professor Fran Abbate and adjunct associate professor Steven Wright built her confidence as a writer. Thanks to the Presidential Scholarships, Beloit is able to attract courageous and creative students like Madeleine.
Christopher Ruder'09
Environmental Studies, Religious Studies Minor
The Chapin Presidential Scholarship was the key factor in my decision to attend Beloit. The financial support lured me in, but it was the weekend visit and conversations I had with students, faculty, and staff that really made me bite. As I am one of four college-bound brothers, the scholarship award provided an immediate and lasting financial relief for my entire family. Another important benefit of the Chapin Presidential Scholarship program has been the opportunity to be part of an interviewing team for future generations of scholarship recipients. Being on the other side of an interview is a unique experience for most college students, as is working with faculty and staff to form a consensus about interviewed candidates. Participating in this process has annually reminded me of why I came to Beloit. It caused me to reflect on my own obligation as a presidential Chapin Scholar—to provide thoughtful and meaningful input about future scholars who will strengthen the creative and educational campus community.
Christine Brown'09
Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology
As a first-generation college student, I was thrilled to be awarded the most prestigious scholarship Beloit had to offer. It was an honor to be selected as one of the top incoming students by a College with such an excellent academic reputation. Beloit was the most expensive school I applied to and the financial aid I received, including the Chapin Presidential Scholarship, was the only way I could attend. I felt a sense of respect and encouragement by being given the opportunity to pursue a first-rate education at Beloit. I was recently named the Midwest Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Year. This, coupled with my academic accomplishments, is an honor I will carry with pride as I reflect on my rewarding Beloit College experience.
Emily Dennis'10
Theatre Arts: Acting/Directing, English Minor
I would not have been able to attend Beloit were it not for the Chapin Presidential Scholarship. Reflecting back on it, if I had not been offered the scholarship, I'm not sure I would have been able to attend college without putting my family into enormous debt, as my brother is going to be a freshman next year. I come from a struggling middle-class family, but education is extremely important to my parents, so I would have gone on to college no matter what, but it would not have been easy and it would not have been at Beloit. Now, I am an active theatre arts major working on my sixth production. My passion for the work and the medium has grown tremendously while at Beloit and for that—and the many other opportunities I've been offered—I am incredibly grateful.
Matthew Johannsen'10
Economics and Computer Science: Double-Major
After receiving early acceptance to Beloit, I was invited to campus for a presidential scholarship interview weekend. I was still waiting to hear from other schools regarding my application status when my visit to Beloit proved to be very impressive. When I was notified that I would receive the Chapin Presidential Scholarship, my mind was made up. At Beloit, I joined the cross country team and gained an extremely strong circle of friends who are all committed to working hard both in and out of the classroom. Being awarded the Chapin Presidential Scholarship was instrumental in my choosing to attend Beloit, and that decision was absolutely the right one for me.
Deana Brown'09
Integrative and Medical Biology
I have never doubted my decision to attend Beloit College. As a first-generation college student, I would never be able to afford Beloit if it was not for the Chapin Presidential Scholarship. I am so grateful for the support and opportunities that come with being a Chapin Presidential Scholarship recipient.
Trevor Johnson'08
Theatre Arts: Dance and Acting
Four years at Beloit has helped me shape who I want to be as a person. I've been given the opportunity to try new things, major in something I love, get involved in all aspects of the campus community, and have experiences that have prepared me for life after college. It has been an honor and privilege to be a Chapin Presidential Scholar, and I have worked hard at Beloit to distinguish myself as a leader.
Scott Reynhout'08
Geology and Creative Writing
The Chapin Presidential Scholarship made attending Beloit possible for me – simultaneously setting high expectations and encouraging me to excel. It allows Beloit to admit students from a variety of economic backgrounds, which I found unique among liberal arts schools, and was the main reason I ultimately chose Beloit.