Student Fundraising Efforts go for the Green

Each year, a committee of seniors organizes their class to support the Senior Gift, the College's annual student-driven philanthropic effort. This year, the committee hopes to raise $8,500 to help make Earlham a greener community.

"We're giving our money to finish the sustainable energy project at Miller Farm," said Senior Gift committee member Sarah McDermott. "The money we raise should be enough to complete the initiative, and will provide clean energy for Miller Farm."

A part of Earlham College for more than 40 years, Miller Farm is used for student housing and as an outlet for students to create hands-on projects in agriculture, environmental concerns and sustainable living. Through the efforts of the Senior Gift Committee and the College's ongoing environmental programs, Earlham will be able to offer students advanced experience in practical problem solving with the Miller Farm Sustainable Energy Project.

Current efforts at Miller Farm are focused on research, design and installation of a small wind-powered electrical generation system that will be tied to the Richmond Power and Light grid. This system will allow excess energy to be pushed back into the grid, expanding the economical viability of the project as a whole.

"This project will serve as both a demonstration of working renewable energy and an educational tool for Earlham College and the Richmond community," said McDermott.

Fellow committee member Aidan Tharp agreed. "It's the gift that keeps on giving — Earlham can get income from it each year by selling the extra energy back to Richmond. With this gift, our class will be advancing an effort that will help the College for years to come."

Should enough money be raised, committee members also hope to augment the reach of their gift by purchasing a composting bike for Miller Farm, enhancing the environmental impact of their gift. Follow their progress toward their goal of $8,500.

Fundraising for the Senior Gift extends beyond members of the senior class, with parents of seniors and members of the Alumni Council generously contributing every year as well.

For the second year seniors have an opportunity to continue their donor relationship with Earlham following graduation. Members of the Class of 2009 are invited to participate in the EC4 initiative, which asks students to participate in the Senior Gift and then establish a pledge schedule for giving to the College for the four years immediately following graduation.