Class of 2007 sets giving record

The University’s 2007 senior class continued a record-breaking streak in annual giving. Sixty-eight percent of seniors made a gift to the University in 2006-07, surpassing the previous year’s senior class, which held the old record of 63 percent.

“With more than 30 individuals on the committee, the class was determined to beat the record set by the Class of 2006,” said Tara Olive, associate director of annual giving. “Along the way, it set a new precedent and educated classmates on the importance of giving back.”

When all the gifts were tallied, the total came to $32,230, said Olive. The money was designated to more than 76 departments, clubs and organizations.

There were many reasons the class broke last year’s participation record. Because of the publicity surrounding the Class of 2006 campaign, “many members of the Class of 2007 were already aware of the campaign,” said Megan Cummings, ’07, campaign co-chair.

“Also, we publicized our campaign in many ways, using Facebook and the University’s Web site. We also had many dedicated committee members who were willing to spend hours soliciting contributions in the Commons, at senior events   and in the University apartments,” said Cummings. The class had a record number of Young Rectors, seniors who donated at least $250, which “helped us reach and surpass our dollar goal of $25,000 very quickly.”