The Allen F. Hawley Society was established in 1978 to recognize those generous individuals and families who make gifts to the College through the annuity and life income program while at the same time paying tribute to the special importance of Allen Hawley's monumental contribution to Pomona College and, in fact, to all American charitable enterprises.

In 1949, when Allen Hawley, Class of 1916, was a fundraising administrator at Pomona College, he answered a local group's request for biographical information on himself. In a letter, Hawley highlighted the pertinent details of his youth and his career. "It's not much of a life story," he summarized, "but it's a thrilling life to me."