The Class of 2015's Class Giving campaign is underway, and Fourth Year Trustees have already started the year-long effort to solicit donations to the University from the graduating class.
“Class Giving is an incredible way to enrich the community that has enriched us for four years,” said Student Council President Jalen Ross, a fourth-year Engineering student. “It’s a chance to make sure the things that defined our experiences keep defining others’ for years to come.”
This week, the Fourth Year Trustees will host “The College Gives Back,” an event designed to bring College students out to donate to the University. They are encouraging students to donate to the College of Arts & Sciences or directly to a specific major.
“It’s about preserving our legacy,” said Ben Colalillo, a fourth-year College student and co-chair of Class Giving for the Class of 2015. “I think it’s about cementing what we’ve done here and making sure that it continues forward.”
Trustees has promoted the initiative by tabling outside of Nau Hall and on the Lawn. Representatives will be outside Clark Library Wednesday with free giveaways and prizes to encourage donations.
“People don’t realize that tuition doesn’t cover all the operating costs [of the University] — in fact, it covers less than a quarter,” Colalillo said. “This [fundraiser] is an important part of filling the gap needed to fund the University.”
So far, the Trustees have received 35 pledges or gifts from members of the Class of 2015.
“It’s always a process,” Colalillo said. “We’ve certainly got our name out there. Every little bit helps.”
Last year, 81 percent of the graduating class donated to the University. Trustees hope to reach 100 percent this year.
“I’ve been impressed by how many of my peers have already given generously, and hope the rest of the class helps us hit 100 percent,” Ross said.
Trustees will hold specialized Class Giving events for each school at the University. The Commerce School competition was held two weeks ago.
“It’s about making students understand that they’re going to be alumni soon and we want to encourage students to start giving back,” Colalillo said. “We want to be able to say 30 years out that we’ve continued to participate and be a part of the University.”
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