What is the Senior Gift?
The Senior Gift is a means by which the University tries to instill the concept of regular, repetitious giving in the senior class in the hopes that after graduation, the class of 2008 (as the newest alumni) will continue to give back to Sewanee in the future. Each year, the Senior Class Gift goes directly to the Sewanee Annual Fund.
Why is the Sewanee Annual Fund important?
The Annual Fund subsidizes the general operating costs of the University each year by providing 5% of the annual budget. This 5% contributes toward everything from reducing the cost of tuition to helping maintain our campus. The Annual Fund has helped you to get through Sewanee by covering 35% of your tuition here (even if you pay full price) and it will continue to allow students to attend Sewanee and receive the same quality of education that you have received for years to come. Also, the Annual Fund helps to support professor pension funds as well as to pay for bands at Lake Cheston and other campus activities. Last year the Annual Fund met its dollar goal, but the alumni participation percentage was low. This year we have a goal of $3.45 million and 50% alumni participation. Since 40% of Sewanee Alumni graduated in the last fifteen years, the young alumni play a huge role in keeping the giving percentage up even if they are unable to make a large donation. As seniors, you have the unique opportunity to begin giving back to Sewanee while you are still enjoying the benefits of the Sewanee Annual Fund first hand.
What is the Class of 2008’s goal for the Senior Gift?
When looking at the statistics of other institutions with which Sewanee compares itself, our senior class giving record pales in comparison, and there is no reason for this for this to be the case. What other school in the country has a more devoted base of alumni or a more connected network of friends than Sewanee? Consequently, when Sewanee’s Senior Class Gift participation rate continues to be a fraction of that of Washington and Lee’s, Davidson’s, and Furman’s, we know we can do better. This year the goal for the Senior Class Gift is 100% participation- a prestigious goal, but one that we know you can meet! You can stay up to date with the class of 2008’s progress by looking at the giving thermometer which will be updated weekly on this webpage. We encourage you to actively participate in this year’s Senior Class Gift by making a gift of $50 to the Sewanee Annual Fund.
How do I make a contribution to the Senior Gift or fulfill a pledge that I have already made?
There are a variety of ways to give:
Click here to give online using VISA, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover
SPO your gift to Emily Rogers at the Sewanee Annual Fund
Drop by the annual fund office on the second floor of Thompson Union
Call Emily Rogers at 1216 to make your credit card gift over the phone
As a token of our appreciation for your contribution, you will receive a limited edition Class of 2008 YSR bumper sticker:
Class of 2008