John Stuart Society

The John Stuart Society takes its name from a man who, in 1850, had great faith in the Marianists and the school they wished to establish. The property on which the University of Dayton now stands was originally known as Dewberry Farm and was owned by John Stuart. On March 19, 1850, a group of Marianists purchased the farm to establish St. Mary’s School for Boys. John Stuart accepted a medal of St. Joseph as the Marianists’ promise to pay him.

It is fitting that we have established the John Stuart Society to recognize significant commitments of faith and trust in the University of Dayton. It was created in 1983 to recognize the generous support of its alumni, parents and friends. Over the last 25 years, the Society has evolved and grown. Today the John Stuart Society recognizes donors who have lifetime gift commitments of $100,000 and above. John Stuart members are the leaders of our University – the guardians of our shared future.