Ashesi Donor Recognition Societies
— Honoring the generosity that carries Ashesi's mission forward
Every scholarship, faculty member, and research project launched at Ashesi begins with someone who believed in what we were building. That generosity, combined with the work of our faculty, staff, and students, creates impact that reaches far beyond any single gift. Donor recognition societies exist to honor the people helping build that future.
Our Lifetime Giving Society
— RECOGNITION LEVELS
Founder’s Circle- $10,000–$29,999
Legacy Circle- $30,000–$99,999
Benefactor Circle- $100,000–$399,999
Visionary Circle- $400,000–$999,999
Laureate Circle- $1,000,000–$9,999,999
Presidential Laureate Circle- $10,000,000+
A gift of any size can move you to the next level. Contact Jo-Ellen Reilly, Senior Director of Donor Relations, at jreilley@ashesi.org to learn more.
A Legacy of Generosity
“I am at a point in my life where I want to do more. I want to be part of the process and the conversation. Being a trustee at the Ashesi Foundation gives me the ability to help influence some of these conversations, give back, and work with the institution in a way that is unique and profound.”
Drs. Cyril Ofori & Amelia Laing
Drs. Cyril and Amelia established an endowed fund to support university priorities. They believe that Ashesi is producing leaders with the skills to create practical solutions to problems and instilling the importance of
integrity, accountability, and transparency in its graduates.
Dr. Rosalind Reaves
“Why do I support Ashesi? For me, it’s about paying it forward, because Africa has given so much to the world and to me personally. It’s about being part of a long and proud tradition of African American investment in Africa.”
The Calabash Society- $5,000+
Our Alumni Giving Society
The Calabash Society (pictured above) celebrates Ashesi alumni who give $5,000 or more to support the University, and is exclusively for alumni givers. The Society takes its name from a cherished Ashesi tradition: during orientation, new students come together to drink from calabashes, symbolizing their shared journey and their becoming part of one community.
A Community of Investing in Africa's Future
284
members in our Lifetime Giving Society
60%
of members are individuals and families
The Sankofa Society
— OUR PLANNED GIVING SOCIETY
For some donors, making a planned gift is a wonderful way to make a meaningful contribution to support future African leaders while also meeting personal, financial, and philanthropic goals. Planned gifts offer creative, flexible strategies to help you maximize your impact,
often while avoiding taxes for you or your heirs.
Sankofa (pronounced SAN-kaw-fah) is a well-known Adinkra symbol from the Akan people of Ghana. The name comes from the Twi phrase “San kɔfa,” which translates to “go back and get it,” an instruction to look to the wisdom of the past and carry it forward to shape the present and the future.
To learn more about our planned giving options, contact Aza Issifu, Director of Strategic Partnerships, at aissifu@ashesi.org to learn more.
— PLANNED GIVER SPOTLIGHT
Paying It Forward: Kofi Tawiah's Planned Gift to Ashesi
From my sense of responsibility for doing what I can towards the transformation of Africa, I feel an obligation to support the realization of the Ashesi vision any way I can.”
Kofi A. Tawiah (pictured), a Ghanaian-born engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, built a successful IT company in the San Francisco Bay Area before turning his attention to supporting the next generation of young Ghanaians.
Growing up on his family’s cocoa farm in Ghana, Kofi knew firsthand the challenges of poverty and came to see education, hard work, and discipline as a path to opportunity. After earning a scholarship that brought him to the United States for college, he built a successful career but never lost his deep commitment to Ghana. Throughout his life, Kofi remained driven by a desire to create opportunities for future generations and contribute to the country’s development.
During his lifetime, Kofi established the Kofi Tawiah Good Citizenship Scholarship Fund at Ashesi University Foundation, an endowment supporting students who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Following Kofi’s passing in 2022, a gift from his estate helped grow his scholarship fund, expanding the reach of his generosity. Today, the fund supports several Ashesi students with significant financial need, helping cover tuition, housing, meals, and other essential educational expenses.
Through this enduring legacy today, Kofi is helping promising young African leaders gain access to an Ashesi education—and ensuring they have the support they need to learn, lead, and thrive. In his honor, Ashesi named a student residence hall on campus recognizing his generosity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Levels are based on your cumulative giving—the total amount you have given to Ashesi over time, rather than a single gift. As your lifetime giving grows, so does your recognition.
All gifts, regardless of size or designation, count toward your cumulative giving. This includes gifts to The Fund for Ashesi, scholarships and endowments, faculty and research, and other university priorities. Gifts of cash and stock are also included in your lifetime giving total.
Yes. If you meet the criteria for more than one society, you will be recognized as a member of each.
Yes. If you prefer not to be listed publicly, simply let us know and we will honor your wishes.
Yes. As your cumulative giving grows, you will automatically move into the appropriate recognition level.
Yes! You will always be part of the Calabash Society. If you establish a planned gift or reach $10,000 or more in lifetime giving, you will also be recognized in those respective societies.
Please contact Jo-Ellen Reilley at jreilley@ashesi.org.
Planned giving allows you to arrange a future gift to Ashesi through your will, trust, estate, or other financial plans. These gifts are often received after a donor’s lifetime and offer a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy at Ashesi.
Yes. To learn more about making a planned gift to Ashesi, please contact Director of Strategic Partnerships, Aza Issifu, at aissifu@ashesi.org.
Planned gifts may support University Priorities, Scholarships, Research, Faculty Development, and The Fund for Ashesi. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your intentions and ensure your gift reflects your wishes.
No. There is no minimum or maximum amount required to establish a planned gift. Nor do you have to tell us an amount.
Yes. If you have established a planned gift and have also given $10,000 or more during your lifetime, you will be recognized as a member of the Sankofa Society and at the appropriate Lifetime Giving Society level. Click here to view the lifetime giving levels.