The support of the members of the Harbinger Society enables the SIU School of Medicine to remain a leader in medical education, patient care and research. Private support is urgently and continuously needed for the SIU School of Medicine to carry out its mission of serving the health care needs of the people of central and southern Illinois.

That extra measure of excellence so essential in creating educational, service and research programs of the highest quality is made possible by private support of the School. Only with the active support of the private sector can the fullest potential of the SIU School of Medicine be achieved.

Harbinger of Good Will
In 1981, the Harbinger of Good Will, a sculpture created by noted sculptor Kenneth G. Ryden of Greenville, Illinois, was commissioned by the SIU Foundation as part of the commemoration of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine's 10^th anniversary.

The artist has said, "I created the work to represent the many aspects of medicine, the researchers and practitioners as well as the humans being served. The wings are suggestive of medical practice, offering dignity, hope and good will, and the figure itself symbolizes the spiritual essence of humanity."

At Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, the members of the Harbinger Society reflect the meaning of the Harbinger of Good Will.

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Use of Gifts

Gifts made by members of the Harbinger Society to the SIU Foundation are used exclusively for the benefit of the SIU School of Medicine. Gifts may take various forms and be used for a variety of purposes:

1. A member may request that his or her gift be used to support a specific project, to fund specific research, or to purchase a specific piece of equipment.
2. A member may elect to let the School of Medicine decide where best to utilize his or her gifts. Such gifts ordinarily are used to support the ongoing programs of the School, including scientific research, faculty awards, library development, special equipment, and student scholarships and loans. Such gifts are particularly valuable, as they can be applied where the need is greatest.
3. A member may choose to establish a trust fund or endowment in order to demonstrate his or her commitment to medical science, education or practice, or in order to memorialize the commitment of a loved one. Managed by the SIU Foundation, such trust funds may be designated by the member to support research, provide scholarships or fund other programs of the School of Medicine. In consultation with the School of Medicine or SIU Foundation officials, members may structure their own, individual methods of contributing.

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How to Become a Member

Membership in the Harbinger Society is open to alumni and friends of the School of Medicine who make a significant financial commitment to the School in support of its goals. Parties may qualify as members by meeting one of the following criteria:

1. Making a gift of $10,000 in cash, securities, equipment, materials, supplies or other gifts-in-kind.
2. Pledging $10,000 payable over a 10-year period, not less than $1,000 annually.
3. Bequeathing a whole-life insurance policy valued at $50,000 or more.
4. Donating a trust (instrument) valued at $50,000 or more.
5. $10,000 is the minimum amount to establish a gift annuity.
6. $25,000 is the minimum amount to establish an endowment.

Membership in the Harbinger Society continues as long as any one of the above criteria is maintained by the donor, and as long as the purposes of the Society are properly served.

Cumulative Giving Levels of the Harbinger Society:

Pinnacle - $1,000,000 and greater, reprinting the top donors.

Horizon - $250,000 to $999,999 for vision of these donors

Harbinger Inner Circle - $100,000 to $249,999 for superior financial involvement

Harbinger Cornerstone - $10,001 to $99,999 for strong, concrete investment.

Harbinger Society Members - $1,000 to $10,000 for outstanding support

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