The annual Senior Class Gift drive is underway, with the 2015 Class Council soliciting donations to the University from graudating seniors. A website for the drive encourages seniors to donate to any of a number of campus organizations and funds, which include individual academic departments, athletic teams, the River Campus Libraries, scholarships, and the Medical Center among many others.
Last May, 56% of the class of 2014 donated to the previous class gift. The 2015 Class Council originally aimed to break this record with a goal of 60% participation, which would have required 687 members of the class of 2015 to donate.
At press time, 356 seniors had participated in the drive, raising $3,420 toward the Class Council’s original fundraising goal of $7,500. The goal shown on the website was changed to $5,500 on Wednesday, May 13.
No class council representative could be reached for comment regarding the change prior to the Campus Times print deadline late May 13.
The campaign officially ends on May 17. The website notes that alumni giving is factored into the University’s standing in college rankings such as those published by U.S. News & World Report, and encourages seniors to donate in order to raise the school’s national ranking. The website also notes that alumni gifts are a major source of funding for financial aid.
All senior donations count toward the Class Gift total, as well as toward the University’s Meliora Challenge fundraising effort. Seniors who contribute will also receive an invitation to a donor event hosted by Gwen M. Greene.
The 2015 Senior Class Gift was organized by Senior Class Council Administrative Chairs Alap Patel and Katherine Wegman.
According to Wegman, Class Council works closely with the Office of Alumni Relations and Advancement.
Passanisi is a member of the class of 2017.
