R.A. Booth Society

The R.A. Booth Society is an expression of appreciation to those individuals who, in the spirit of its namesake, provide for future generations at Willamette University. R.A. Booth Society members have affirmed Willamette’s motto—“not unto ourselves alone are we born”—by establishing planned gifts that benefit the university. These gifts include bequests, gift annuities, charitable trusts, retirement-plan designations, and life insurance policies.

R.A. Booth Society members share the satisfaction that their contributions will have a lasting impact. They also receive special recognition from the university.

Who was R.A. Booth?

Robert Asbury Booth (1858-1944) is remembered at Willamette for his generosity, commitment, and vision. A successful Oregon businessman and Willamette Trustee, his contagious efforts over four decades were the foundation of Willamette’s endowment.

In 1922 he wrote: “I am led to the belief that what is placed as permanent endowment for education is the highest contribution that I can make to my fellow man. Nothing less than the best I can do is adequate; anything less will leave a broken track and an incomplete earthly existence.”

His financial and leadership contributions helped shape the positive educational experiences shared by generations of students attending Willamette.

R.A. Booth Committee Chairs

Life Trustee Emeriti Bill Haden, Jim Booth ’64, and Marty Wolf ’57 L ’60 have all made special provisions for the university in their estate plans; and in Marty's case, through a charitable gift annuity. Through these gifts they became a part of the R.A. Booth Society, Willamette's legacy giving society. In their roles as R.A. Booth Committee chairs, they will help Willamette celebrate and grow this most special group of donors.

To learn more about the R.A. Booth Society, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (866) 204-8102 or giftplanning@willamette.edu.