Student promotes Senior Class Giving Campaign, encourages peer involvement

What is $20.13 worth to you?

To me, it is three lunches in Eggers Café. It is a few gallons of gas to get me around Erie Boulevard. It is only a fraction of the opportunities I have gained and the experiences I’ve had while a student here at Syracuse University. Even to a “poor” college kid, $20.13 is really nothing.

That’s why I am one of several seniors promoting Class Act, part of the Syracuse University Senior Class Giving Campaign. Class Act is important because tuition and fees only cover about 85 percent of the real cost of an SU education. By participating in the campaign, you help close that gap! Your small gift provides scholarships, brings speakers and visiting artists to campus, funds students who are invited to participate in conferences or leadership opportunities, supports SU Abroad endeavors, pays for news subscriptions, and much, much more. So even if you think, “I didn’t get a scholarship to SU or anything,” think about all that you have been able to do, either directly or indirectly, because of the gifts students and alumni have made in the past.

As a senior, spring brings many things: warmer weather, approaching deadlines and dreaded nostalgia. Come on, seniors — we all know what’s lurking around the corner: Graduation weekend is upon us. How many times has mom called confirming grad-weekend plans? Or grandma, from out of town, who wants to clarify, and re-clarify, directions to campus? I know we all have a lot going on, but giving is so easy — and should be something you want to do.

If you start feeling sad thinking about how little time you have left here at SU, make a difference — give back so students of the future can enjoy all of what you have during your four years here. And, if you need an incentive, there will be an exclusive Senior Donor Appreciation Reception at Club 44 in the Carrier Dome, with complimentary food and beverages available to those who have made their gift of $20.13 or more before April 15!

This is not an advertisement prompted by the university. This is a personal plea to get my senior class peers thinking about what this university means to them and to make a difference for future generations of students. Today, April 10, we have designated as Class Act Day all across campus – get involved and make your gift!

Give here: https://secure.syr.edu/giving/senior_giving.aspx

Sarah Walton

Senior, Policy Studies and Geography

Class of 2013