Spring Break
Record-Breaking Senior Class Gift Leaves High Expectations for 2010
Brittany Lane | Features Editor
Last Updated:8/27/09 Section: News
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Beginning in the fall, each senior class works with the College's Development Office to encourage seniors to participate in this program, which deepens the tradition of giving back to the College. A committee of seniors, led by the Senior Class officers, runs the program, brainstorming and organizing events and fundraisers, such as the popular Wine & Cheese event. Publicity for the program remains the foremost goal all year. Seniors have the choice to make a monetary donation or future pledge to any program or department of their choice.
Donations support a variety of programs, such as scholarship funds for students, sports teams, campus organizations, faculty research funds, and campus facilities. The vital support from these eventual alums helps attract and support top-notch students and accomplished faculty. Furthermore, the commitment to the program propels the maintenance and construction of the College's facilities, such as Swem Library, the Integrated Science Center, and the newly completed Mason School of Business's Alan B. Miller Hall.
In the beginning of last year, some expressed concern that support was too low. The Informer reported that participation by early spring was well below expectations. However, Kevin Dua, former Class of 2009 president, maintains that "every Senior Class Gift experiences a common trend of an early good start, sluggish middle and then a final push." While the economy prompted many to fear an unsuccessful campaign, students seized the vision of giving back and erased any worries by year's end.
"We wanted to encourage our seniors and ultimately make a strong statement to the College that the Class of 2009 was thankful for the education received and would continue in some way to give back," said Mr. Dua. Grateful students, a dedicated committee, and a little luck were the key ingredients to a successful Senior Class Gift.
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little birdie
posted 9/01/09 @ 8:36 PM EST
It will be interesting to see how many pledges are actually filled. Future classes could easily start one-upping eachother by having pledges made with no intention of payment. (Continued…)
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