Thistle Society

The thistle that graces the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s seal symbolizes the innovative spirit that founder, John Morgan, and his colleagues embraced during their education at the University of Edinburgh. This spirit guided Morgan when he returned to the New World and established the first school of medicine in the colonies aligned with an institution of higher learning. That same spirit guides the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania today, as medicine is revolutionized through advances in clinical research and care, and medical education.

The Thistle Society honors alumni who donate to the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania on a consistent basis and believe in the importance of giving each and every year.

All donors who made gifts in three or more of the fiscal years from 2003 to 2007 were recognized as inaugural members of the Thistle Society in Fiscal Year 2008. Donors who made gifts in two of the fiscal years between 2003 and 2007 received inaugural membership if they made a gift in Fiscal Year 2008. In fiscal years 2009 and beyond, donors who made gifts consecutively for three years are considered members of the Thistle Society.