The James Madison Porter Society was established in 1996/97 to recognize
those who have made Lafayette College part of their estate plans through
will provisions and/or life-income agreements. To date, more than 470
people have qualified for membership.
Bequest
Donors can designate a percentage or
a specific amount of their estate to the College. Some choose to
name Lafayette as a contingent beneficiary. Often the donor informs
the College of their intent in writing or with a copy of their will.
Life-Income Agreements
There are a variety of options, and all of
these gifts return income to the donor and/or named beneficiary
for a stated period of time (usually the donor/beneficiary's
lifetime). These gifts include: Charitable
gift annuities, Deferred charitable gift
annuities, Charitable
remainder trusts. The right type of agreement will depend on
each donor's specific circumstances and can be tailored to
best suit your needs.
On December 27, 1824, James Madison Porter called a meeting of all citizens
"friendly to the establishment of a college at Easton" to meet
at the Easton Hotel to procure a charter of incorporation. Although he
never attended college himself, Porter was intrigued with the idea of
establishing an institution of learning in the flourishing Borough of
Easton.
The idea first presented itself to him earlier that fall during a trip
to the Military Academy at Norwich, Vermont (now Norwich University).
There he saw, in his own words, "a literary and scientific institute,
established by an individual, filled with upwards of 160 students, pursuing
their studies advantageously and giving support and employment to nearly,
if not all, the inhabitants of the place." He felt that Easton
had many advantages for a similar institution due to its location, low
cost of living, and healthy lifestyle, making the project a worthy community
enterprise. The people of Easton agreed, and Porter was elected as the
first President of the Board of Trustees of Lafayette College.
Not long before his trip to Vermont, Porter had been part of a delegation
from Easton that journeyed to Philadelphia to honor the Marquis de Lafayette
during his triumphant return to America at the invitation of President
James Monroe. It was General Lafayette's first visit to the new
Republic since he first came 47 years earlier to join the struggling
American revolutionary army in their fight for independence. General
Lafayette remembered Porter's father, who had served with him at
Brandywine, and they had a short, but pleasant conversation. The new
college was named after the Marquis "as a testimony of respect
for his talents, virtues, and services in the great cause of freedom."
The Easton Hotel, the birthplace of Lafayette College, has become the
logo for the James Madison Porter Society. It is pictured in the heading
of this web page and is used on all Porter Society mailings and newsletters.
ABOUT JAMES MADISON PORTER:
