Senior Gift

Students Lead their Classmates in Fundraising Project

After four years at Earlham, many graduating seniors have participated in some form of student-faculty collaborative research. Indeed, this feature defines and shapes an Earlham education.

So, when the 2008 seniors were given the opportunity to choose one Earlham program to benefit from the 2008 Senior Gift, it was only fitting that they chose to support this vital research. In addition, the class gift is in memory of Bob Southard, professor of history and Jewish studies, who passed away November 6, 2007.

"Anybody can suggest a gift idea," Mae Turley, assistant director of alumni relations, explained. "This year, several ideas were suggested — environmental issues, the arts, scholarships — but after class meetings and e-mails, a larger percentage of the class voted to support the Student/Faculty Collaborative Research in Memory of Bob Southard gift."

Each year, Earlham's senior class — led by a volunteer committee of dedicated students — begins a philanthropic relationship with the College through the Senior Gift program. Utilizing Facebook, information tables in Runyan Center and word of mouth, the Senior Gift Committee works very hard to encourage classmates to support this worthy initiative.

Beginning this year, seniors will also be invited to participate in the EC4 initiative. EC4 asks students to make a gift to the Senior Gift, and then establish a pledge schedule for giving to the College for the four years immediately following graduation.

While the committee receives support from the Institutional Advancement office, Turley emphasizes that the students make all of the decisions and execute the solicitation of their peers.

"We started brainstorming individually before we purposefully sought our classmates' input and suggestions for a representative gift," explained Claire Rivron, a Bloomington, Ind., native and a member of the Senior Gift committee.

"It's interesting to build a different perspective of Earlham — 'giving back' instead of just 'taking from,'" said committee member Kari Schneider.

Fellow Senior Gift volunteer Galen Hartman echoed Kari's sentiment. "Over my years here I've gotten to know people in the Alumni and Development office and to understand their mission. Philanthropy is valuable and serves an important purpose for the school."

Fundraising for the Senior Gift extends beyond members of the senior class, as members of the Alumni Council generously contribute every year as well. Additionally, student Phone-a-thon callers ask the seniors' parents to contribute to the initiative.

The committee leads their class throughout the duration of the fund drive by distributing information and encouraging enthusiasm. This year, the class is working toward a $7,000 goal.

"It's a good idea to get the class involved in fundraising," Claire said. "I'm glad to be a representative of the class with this effort: giving back to Earlham."

Senior Gift Home | 2008 Senior Gift