formerly University of Missouri-Rolla
Campaign for Missouri S&T
Order of the Golden Shillelagh

What is the Order of the Golden Shillelagh?

St. Patrick, said to be the patron saint of engineers, carried a shillelagh or club, which was used in defense of his followers. In 1977, a group of dedicated individuals founded the Order of the Golden Shillelagh at Missouri S&T. These loyal alumni and friends realized that without their help that Missouri S&T would have a difficult struggle maintaining the high quality of education associated with the school since its beginnings in the 1870s. OGS was conceived as a way for others to “pick up the shillelagh” to promote financial support for the enhancement of quality education at Missouri S&T. OGS has become Missouri S&T’s major donor recognition society.

List of Founding Members


Why should I join the Order of the Golden Shillelagh?

To show your support for Missouri S&T and to set a positive example for others is primary reason to become a member. OGS recognizes and honors those who give a minimum of $2,000 a year to the university or the Miner Alumni Association and the benefits of membership are varied. Members receive special invitations and as a group have an opportunity to affect the future of Missouri S&T. There is an annual weekend each spring to which all members are invited. Members receive special parking privileges, the Shillelagh Magazine three times a year, and other benefits as they arise. Most of what is offered, however, is an opportunity to join with other Missouri S&T alumni and friends who love Missouri S&T and want to set an example to others of loyalty and support of their university.


How does joining OGS affect where my donation goes?

As an OGS member, you still control 100% of your donation and what it supports. Any gift to the University counts toward the OGS minimum commitment -- regardless of where the donation goes. Gifts can be designated to any university account including the Alumni Association, any department or program, scholarships, athletics, etc. Also, a gift can be split between areas if you so choose.


What does it take to join OGS?

Membership in Missouri S&T's major donor recognition society includes:


  • A minimum commitment of $10,000 payable at a rate of at least $2,000 annually
  • Anyone under the age of 30 may have a Junior Membership by giving to Missouri S&T at the rate of at least $500 annually. After reaching age 30, their rate becomes at least $2,000 annually until their $10,000 pledge is fulfilled.
  • Current students may have a Student Membership by giving to Missouri S&T at the rate of at least $100 annually until graduation. After graduation, and before they turn 30, they advance to the Junior Membership with a rate of at least $500 annually. After reaching age 30, their rate becomes at least $2,000 annually until their $10,000 pledge is fulfilled. It is hoped that these options will encourage our younger supporters to become members without undue burden.
  • For those over age 55, a minimum commitment of $25,000 through a bequest, a deferred or a planned gift.


Apply for Membership:


If you'd like to apply for membership to OGS, please fill out our  application for membership form (page will open in a new window).


How can I make a gift to Missouri S&T through OGS?

Simply fill out our OGS Contribution Form (page will open in a new window).


How is my giving recognized?

Any gift of cash or stock to the university is immediately credited to your giving record. Pledges, planned or deferred gifts are credited to your record upon receipt of the appropriate documentation. Corporate matching gifts count toward the initial minimum commitment of $10,000 and toward lifetime giving and claghn level membership. See our  Claghn Level page for more details.


What has OGS done for UMR?

As of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh celebrates its 30th anniversary, the members of this generous group have:


  • Funded $42.5 million in scholarships
  • Donated $20.1 million for program support
  • Contributed $23.1 million to new building construction & renovation
  • Funded more than $10.6 million for endowed professorships/chairs
  • Donated more than $12.7 million to unrestricted accounts to be used as needed.


These numbers total to over $110 million in cash and pledges over the last 30 years, including more than $13 million in deferred pledges.

Updated through July 1, 2007


The OGS Executive Committee

  • The  Executive Committee is the governing body of Missouri S&T's major donor recognition group.


For more information about OGS, please contact Stephanie Martensen at smarten@mst.edu or call her at 573-341-6685.