Yellow Jackets Women’s Philanthropy Circle

At Graceland University, women have been catalysts for change, empowerment, and belonging.

Marietta Walker donated the land to establish the university. Betty Welch helped establish women’s varsity athletics. Barbara Higdon served as the first female president, and Sherri Kirkpatrick, who led Graceland to become the first school in the nation to establish an accredited distance learning RN to BSN program.

Women of Graceland have always been and continue to be transformational leaders. Our alumnae are community caregivers and world changers. They are healthcare innovators and business mentors. They are educators and scientists. They are Yellowjackets.

Join the Yellow Jackets

You are invited to join a dynamic group of women leaders to model and accelerate engagement and philanthropy among Graceland’s alumni, donors, and friends. Members are alumnae and friends of Graceland who enjoy networking, working with campus leadership, and building support for female students and programs on both the Lamoni and Kansas City campuses and are encouraged to wear a yellow blazer, jacket, or sweater of their choice to all meetings and events to show their Yellow Jacket pride.

Sign Up Now!
Membership Details
Membership requires a minimum gift of $1,000. Donors who give $1,000 in one year can vote on funding applications from Graceland campus programs. Engage in reviewing proposals to recruit, retain, and support female students. Alumnae 35 and under can give $1,000 over three years or approximately $28 monthly. We aim to provide at least $15,000 annually to female-centered programs.

Membership Benefits
- Invitation to the President’s brunch at Homecoming each year
- Exclusive Presidential Zoom updates
- Tickets to all performing arts and athletic events
- Recognition on the Yellow Jackets website and promotional materials
- Opportunity to serve as an ambassador for Graceland

Our Mission

The Yellow Jackets Leadership Circle is dedicated to supporting Graceland University in fulfilling its mission creating learning communities where students develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives. We will strive to honor women leaders of Graceland’s past, embrace the leaders of Graceland today, and contribute to a hopeful future for all of Graceland.

See What We've Been Up To...

Yellow Jackets Member Homecoming Meeting

2024 Homecoming Breakfast

Dance Team receives funds to go to Nationals Graceland Dance Team received funding to cover the costs of going to Nationals.

Affirmation Cards for Residence Halls A set of 100 SMACK( Spreading Messages of Affirmation + Compassion + Kindness) cards and colored markers for each women's house president to distribute throughout the year.

Women's Empowerment Speaker Intersectional Feminism Alliance sought funding to invite Graceland alumni Kara Vojcsik to speak at a club meeting. Her work with women at Spectacular and past Women’s Empowerment workshops brings out confidence, joy, and sisterhood among students.