Along with excelling in the classroom and making a difference in the community, through its Senior Gift, the Class of 2012 is contributing to the success of future Siena College students.
“While you are a student here, you benefit from the generosity of alumni,” said Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Jake Hill ’09. “The senior gift is the first chance for students to take a step in the direction of being proud alumni who will support the next generation of students.”
This year, the class goal was to raise $10,000 to dedicate a lounge in the new academic building, which will house the rapidly expanding departments of education, social work and sociology. The building will also include areas for all students and professors to collaborate outside of the classroom. The College plans to break ground on the new building this summer.
Through various fundraisers, events and outright donations, the Class of 2012 surpassed its original goal and set the record for money raised in a single-year for the Senior Gift. To date, the class has raised $15,836 and about half of the senior class has made a contribution.
“Siena has given a great deal to all members of the community, especially the seniors who have benefitted from that generosity for four years,” said Senior Gift Committee Member Sean Drown ’12. “Joining the Senior Gift Committee and participating in the senior gift is a great way of giving back, not only to the College, but to the Siena community as a whole.”
The 16-student Senior Gift Committee worked with the Office of Alumni Relations to increase student awareness and participation and to plan fundraisers. Some of their most successful initiatives included a kickoff party in January and the development of Class of 2012 lacrosse practice jerseys. Campus Programs and Student Activities and Alumni Relations worked together to sponsor a champagne toast event at 33 Fiddler’s Lane with Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. The event served as the culmination to this year’s Senior Week festivities.
“The Toast to the Class of 2012 was a way for us to welcome the graduating class as new alumni and reassure them that there is a life beyond graduation,” Hill said. “While they are only students for four years, they will be alumni for the rest of their lives. This event helped us bridge the gap between the student and alumnus.”
The Senior Gift has been a time-honored tradition at Siena College since 1968. That class raised money for a Siena College sign that was placed on the front lawn. The Senior Gift program has raised more than $320,000 for the College since its inception.
For more information on the Class of 2012 senior gift campaign, or to donate, visit the senior gift website.
