Senior Class Gift FAQ

1. What is the Senior Class Gift?

Do you remember your first day on campus as a UW freshman? You've grown and learned immensely since then, and throughout that entire process private gifts from alumni and friends have been quietly helping you to learn and grow by enhancing your college experience. Now it's your turn to become a part of that same legacy by giving back to your UW with a Senior Class Gift that you, the students, have chosen. By making a Class Gift, you thank those that came before you for their contributions and take the first step in becoming part of a legacy of philanthropy here at the UW.

2. Why is the Senior Class Gift an important tradition?

Over the past century, UW classes have united together to give back to the University in a variety of ways. From Sylvan Grove to the cherry trees in the Quad to the numerous scholarships and scholarship endowments available to students across our campus, the mark of generations of students that have come before you is both evident and everlasting. Becoming part of this tradition shows that the Class of 2008 values the education they received, carries the same spirit and Husky pride of past UW classes, and believes in reaching out to give back and helping students to come.

3. What is the role of the Senior Class Gift Council?

The Council has the responsibility and privilege of selecting a Class Gift Project that embodies the spirit of their entire class. Once this important first step has been taken and a gift has been selected, it is up to the Council to work as a team to plan and organize the Campaign and inspire other 2008 graduates to give. This will include publicity and marketing strategies such as designing promotional items, articles in the press, and event planning. Finally, the Council Chair(s) will present the Gift to President Emmert at Commencement on June 14, 2008.

4. What have other UW senior classes chosen as their class gift?

The Class Gifts over the years have all been diverse and worthy causes for seniors to support. Some classes chose to support the ever-growing need for scholarship support, while other classes found it rewarding to give to the physical beauty of our distinguished campus. Here are some of the most recent gifts:

• 2007 Class of 2007 Newton Apple Tree
• 2006 Class of 2006 Husky Statue
• 2005 Class of 2005 Endowed Textbook Scholarship
• 2004 Class of 2004 Endowed Scholarship
• 2003 Class of 2003 Scholarship & Class of 2003 Cherry Tree Fund
• 2002 Class of 2002 Scholarships

5. What are our class goals?

The Senior Class Gift is our way to celebrate graduation and leave our legacy at UW. Can we beat the Class of '07 by raising a record $41,000 from 1,800 seniors? You can help reach this goal and be a part of the most successful Gift Campaign ever by making your pledge today!

6. Why Should I Participate?

Because when the results of our efforts are announced to President Mark Emmert during our commencement ceremony, we want to show everyone in attendance the pride and spirit of the Class of 2008!

All seniors who donate will be added to the 2008 Donor Roll-printed in The Daily and scrolling on the HuskyTron before graduation-and will receive a purple ribbon to wear during the Commencement Ceremony honoring those who make a difference. Hurry and make your gift today to ensure you receive your ribbon in time to wear at graduation! You can also make your gift in honor of someone who has had an impact on your college education. This can be a parent, a professor, or anyone who is important to you. This person will be notified of the honor by the office of Annual Giving.

7. Class of '08! What will your legacy be?

The Senior Class Gift is our chance to give something back and make a difference in the lives of future UW students. This is a class effort from all three UW campuses, and we hope that the whole class will unite in support of the Class of 2008 Senior Class Gift Campaign. We have all had different experiences during our time at the University of Washington. We want your donation to be as important to you as it is to us. When making your gift, you can support whatever school, college, department or program is most important to you. All gifts, regardless of the designation you choose, count toward our Senior Class Gift total. Our goal for the Class of 2008 Senior Class Gift Campaign is maximum participation. The success of this campaign depends on you!