August 3, 2026

For more information, contact:
Laura Brelsford | hcnews@hawks.huntingdon.edu | (334) 833-4563

Huntingdon College Launches The 1854 Society During Make-A-Will Month

Montgomery, AL – In recognition of Make-A-Will Month this August, Huntingdon College is pleased to announce a renewed planned giving recognition structure that celebrates alumni and friends who are helping secure the College’s future for generations to come.

As part of this restructuring, Huntingdon will establish The 1854 Society, a new recognition society for living donors who have documented that Huntingdon College is included in their estate plans. Named for the year the College was chartered, The 1854 Society honors donors during their lifetimes for their foresight, generosity, and commitment to Huntingdon’s mission.

The existing John Massey Heritage Society, organized in 1993, will continue to hold an important place in Huntingdon’s legacy giving program. Going forward, the John Massey Heritage Society will recognize donors whose planned gifts or bequests have been received by the College. Together, the two societies create a clear and meaningful structure for honoring both legacies in progress and legacies fulfilled.

“The future of Huntingdon College is strengthened by faithful alumni and friends who choose to make the College part of their life story and their legacy,” said President Anthony Leigh. “The 1854 Society gives us a meaningful way to thank donors during their lifetimes for commitments that will bless Huntingdon students for generations to come.”

Planned gifts may be made through a will, trust, retirement account beneficiary designation, life insurance policy, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, retained life estate, or other estate arrangement. These gifts can provide lasting support for scholarships, academic programs, student experiences, faculty excellence, campus life, and the long-term financial strength of the College.

Current living members of the John Massey Heritage Society who have documented their planned gift intentions with Huntingdon will be recognized as Founding Members of The 1854 Society. Donors who document their intentions with the College in this inaugural year will also be recognized with Founding Member distinction. This special designation honors their leadership in helping launch this new chapter in Huntingdon’s planned giving program.

August’s Make-A-Will Month provides a timely reminder for alumni and friends to consider how their values can continue shaping the future. Creating or updating a will is an important act of care for loved ones, and it also offers an opportunity to make a lasting charitable impact. By including Huntingdon College in an estate plan, donors help extend the College’s mission of faith, wisdom, and service to future generations of students.

Alumni and friends who have already included Huntingdon College in their estate plans are encouraged to notify the College so they may be welcomed into The 1854 Society. Those who are considering a planned gift are invited to begin a confidential conversation about the many ways they can make a lasting difference.

For more information about planned giving or The 1854 Society, please contact:

Rev. Dr. Brian Miller
Vice President of External and Church Relations
Huntingdon College
brian.miller@hawks.huntingdon.edu
251-454-2878

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