Senior Class Giving campaign to kick off on the Quad prior to SU vs. Pittsburgh Game
Hot on the heels of the $20 million gift from Louise and Howard Phanstiel ’70, G’71, one of the largest gifts in Syracuse University’s history, the senior class of 2011 looks to make its own impact on SU students of the future with the launch of the 2011 Senior Class Giving campaign at Orange Central 2010.
Building on the momentum of the Class of 2010—and hoping to surpass its efforts—the Class of 2011 is encouraging students to give in support of whatever part of SU has meaning for them.
“Orange Central is a great way for us to come together as a class and celebrate all the wonderful things about our University. Now we can also show our support in other, more meaningful ways,” says Beth Anne Kieft ’11, one of the 2011 Senior Class Giving campaign’s co-chairs and president of SU’s Traditions Commission.
The 2011 Senior Class Giving launch will be held Saturday, Oct. 16, on the Quad under the Alumni Relations tent (in front of Hinds Hall, next to the game-day concessions stand) starting at 10 a.m., two hours prior to the kickoff of the Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh football game. A gift in any amount is encouraged, but the first 250 seniors who stop by the tent to make their gift of $20.11 —an amount meant to commemorate their class year—or more will receive an “I’m a Class Act” rally towel to cheer on the football team.
“There are as many reasons for getting involved in this fundraising effort as there are seniors,” says public relations major, campaign co-chair, and student manager at The Fund for Syracuse Marc Heintzman ’11, “For me, Newhouse has opened a lot of doors already, and I want to make sure those opportunities remain there for future Newhouse students.” Gifts to the campaign can go toward any number of opportunities, from research initiatives spearheaded by a special faculty member to scholarships, student life, an individual school or college, the Syracuse University Library, SU Abroad, or facility and technology upgrades. Whatever it is that has helped students get where they are today, it can be supported to ensure that future SU students have the same experience. Gifts from friends and family can also be given in honor of a senior class member, or a student can give in honor of a particular faculty member.
Student Association President and Senior Class Giving Co-Chair Jon Barnhart ’11 says, “It’s not always easy to understand the role of philanthropy at a university such as ours. We hope that we can continue to reinforce with students the importance of giving at Syracuse University. Ultimately, our goal is not the most dollars raised, but rather to increase participation steadily from year to year. We feel that 100 percent participation is not out of reach.” Last year, the Class of 2010 raised $11,845 from a total of 150 gifts—120 gifts from seniors and 30 from parents and friends. “We know we can build off the momentum of the Class of 2010 and do better this year,” Barnhart says.
“Leaders of the senior class giving campaign show deepening enthusiasm every year. We are pleased to see the commitment and drive they have,” says Tammy Schlafer, SU executive director of annual giving programs. “They really do want to make a difference.”
A web site, http://classact.syr.edu, has been created to allow class members, friends and family to give online. Students can also call (315) 443-3926 to give via credit card or submit gifts in person to Syracuse University Advancement Services, Suite 214, Women’s Building, 820 Comstock Ave., weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Seniors who would like to get involved in the Senior Class Giving campaign committee should contact Kristen Duggleby at klduggle@syr.edu, or by phone at (315) 443-1561.
Everyone who contributes to the 2011 Senior Class Giving campaign will be recognized in the Senior Class Honor Roll on the classact.syr.edu web site. Seniors will also receive an official “I’m a Class Act” pin, a designation in the keepsake “Register of Graduates” publication and other recognition throughout the year.
Foursquare check-ins at the 2011 Senior Class Giving table under the Alumni Relations tent will count toward unlocking the Orange Central Campus Explorer badge for a chance to win a free SU Foursquare T-shirt. For details, visit foursquare.com/SyracuseU.
