Shaun Roberts, Director of Annual Giving
1968 Circle
CIIS: Values-Driven Learning
California Institute of Integral Studies was born in 1968, time of conflicts and possibilities, a time of questioning and searching. More than just a year, 1968 was a state of mind. Amid the changes in the air, Dr. Haridas and Bina Chaudhuri offered a different way of learning. CIIS provided, and continues to provide, a unique educational experience for those curious about the world around us, the world inside us, and how to integrate mind, body, and spirit.
Half a century later, in an age dominated by increasing inequality, impersonal technology, environmental deterioration, and other challenges, people come to CIIS to learn experientially what it means to be human in an ever-changing world.
Our academic discipline is built on a foundation of challenging coursework, social justice, diversity and inclusion, and inner exploration that continues to enrich the lives of our students long after they leave CIIS.
CIIS: Changing the World From the Inside Out
Each of our schools offers unique curricula and perspectives, but all are grounded in the same values and commitment to integral education, academic excellence, and personal growth.
Combining East and West, ancient traditions and cutting-edge research, CIIS continues to build on a foundation of stellar counseling and transpersonal psychology programs to explore new ways of addressing the human condition.
We partner with organizations in China and India to bring our expertise on a range of healing modalities to a new global audience; we explore the potential of psychedelic therapies and research to address a range of mental health needs; and we work with Silicon Valley leaders on the increasingly important intersection of technology and psychology.
CIIS continues to offer continuing education through its cutting edge certificate programs in various therapeutic practices and psychedelic therapies. We explore emerging possibilities with academic rigor and a commitment to our values.
The 1968 Circle: Our Eye to the Future
Haridas Chaudhuri said that human beings are the torchbearers of the evolutionary advance of nature. Over the last 50 years, the university he founded has fostered the growth and learning of CIIS students who are changing the world from the inside out.
Unlike more traditional universities, CIIS does not have an established endowment. We count on the support of our donors, particularly annual fund donors. Through our 1968 Circle, we honor the roots of CIIS, inviting all to join with us. Together, we can secure our future.
Your annual donation helps ensure our university is strong and our students can thrive. Through your annual donations over time, you are helping us build our endowment from the ground up.
Whether providing scholarships, supporting our award-winning mental health clinics, or bringing cutting-edge conferences that enable students to engage with leading academics from around the world, our donors help create opportunities for students and expand CIIS’ reach and reputation as the best in integral education.
1968 Circle Members support CIIS with an annual fund gift at one of the giving levels below:
| Annual Fund Level | Annual Gift |
| Founders' Circle | $100,000+ |
| President's Circle | $25,000 |
| Benefactors Circle | $10,000 |
| Patrons Circle | $5,000 |
| Members Circle | $1,968 |
The 1968 Circle recognizes annual gifts from alumni, parents, and friends who are committed to investing in opportunities and experiences for students by making significant, unrestricted annual gifts. As a 1968 Circle Member, you will receive:
- Recognition in our publications
- Invitations and priority seating at Alumni events
- The CIIS e-newsletter
- Annual membership in CIIS Public Programs (discounts on workshops and other perks)
As a recent graduate, you can enjoy these same benefits while you build your support over time:
| 1 st year post-graduation | Free |
| 2 nd year post-graduation | $100 |
| 3 rd year post-graduation | $250 |
| 4 th year post-graduation | $500 |
| 5 th year post-graduation | $1,000 |
| 6 th year post-graduation | $1,968 |
Please consider joining today. Thank you for your support!
Contact Us
We are deeply grateful that you are choosing to become a member of the 1968 Circle. Please contact Shaun Roberts to let the Institute know about your interest or if you would like to receive additional information. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
Contact information
sroberts1@ciis.edu