Annie Clarkson Society

Glossary

Annie Clarkson and the Annie Clarkson Society
The Foundation for Clarkson's Future

Annie Clarkson was born December 21, 1856 in Potsdam. Known as “Miss Annie” (a term of endearment of the time), she was instrumental in founding Clarkson University in 1896 in memory of her uncle, Thomas, and later was crucial to its survival. Annie was the first Secretary on the Board of Trustees, serving from 1894-1929, and was the closest family member in the development of the school. In 1922, Annie gave a large tract of land to the west of Holcroft House for use as an athletic field (now Snell Field) and in 1927 she gave 600 acres of former Clarkson family estate lands to the college. Her dream was to see the college relocated to the hill. In that same year, she deeded over Holcroft House, her ancestral home, where she lived most of her life. At Annie’s death on October 2, 1929, the bulk of her estate came to the College, valued at over $1.5 million (over $18.5 million in 2009 dollars).

Clarkson University established the “Miss Annie Society” in 1993 to carry forward Annie’s passionate philanthropic journey and to honor all those who plan deferred gifts to Clarkson. In 2007, the society was renamed the “Annie Clarkson Society” to better reflect Annie’s dynamic role as a founder and visionary of the University.

The mission of the Annie Clarkson Society is to ensure a Clarkson education for future generations through deferred gift plans. The Society recognizes and thanks alumni, parents and friends who have planned a deferred gift to Clarkson, and encourages others to consider similar plans. The Society accomplishes its mission through education, service and recognition programs for all who are interested in supporting the future of Clarkson University. The Annie Clarkson Society allows us to join Annie through our own individual legacies. Together, we lay the foundation to ensure a Clarkson education for future generations.

(rev. 10/09)