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Institutional Advancement

1879 Society

A Legacy of Philanthropy

Since its founding in 1879, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has been transforming health care in Arkansas. Life-changing healthcare, education and research would not be possible without the philanthropic support of our generous benefactors. The 1879 Society was formed to recognize philanthropists who have made transformative bequests to the university.

Watch: The 1879 Society Story

This short video introduces the 1879 Society and the philanthropists whose bequests shape the future of medicine at UAMS.

About the 1879 Society

The first known donor to make an estate commitment to UAMS was Isaac Folsom, M.D., who in 1892 bequeathed $20,000 to build a clinic where medical students could practice and treat needy patients, free of charge. Dr. Folsom’s generosity is still remembered today with an acknowledgment on the diploma of every College of Medicine graduate. Since that time, hundreds of individuals have left bequests to UAMS.

These gifts have allowed UAMS to train world-class doctors, provide leading patient care and perform research producing groundbreaking medical treatments. The 1879 Society’s mission is to recognize all living philanthropists who have committed to transforming the future of medicine with a bequest to UAMS, and to remember those benefactors who are no longer with us. If you have remembered UAMS with a bequest in your will, trust, life insurance, retirement plan, or any other method, it would be our privilege to welcome you to this society. You can join by filling out the form below or by contacting Tim Dockery or any member of the Advancement Team.

Thank you in advance for your gift! Your support is treasured. We are so grateful to have another philanthropist joining us in our work to transform the future of medicine.

The 1879 Society’s mission is to recognize all individuals who have committed to transforming the future of medicine with a bequest to UAMS. If you have remembered UAMS with a bequest in your will, trust, life insurance, retirement plan or any other method, it would be our privilege to welcome you to this society.