Campus Life

University community invited to submit proposals for 2015 class gift

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State’s Class Gift Campaign Committee is now accepting proposals from members of the University community for the 2015 class gift.

The Class Gift Campaign is expanding its mission by involving students from all academic years to have an active hand in the process of selecting a gift to the University, and welcomes suggestions from all Penn State students, faculty, alumni and staff.

Gift proposals can be submitted at the senior class gift website. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 19.

An established volunteer committee of University members -- including students, professors and other faculty -- will review all submitted proposals and finalize a ballot of three potential gifts. In October, students will be asked to vote for their choice.

The class gift is an opportunity for students to leave a legacy at Penn State for future generations. Graduates of the class of 1861 began the tradition at an 1890 reunion with the gift of a portrait of the University's first president, Evan Pugh, which still hangs in the lobby of Old Main.

"The class gift is one of the longest standing traditions at Penn State," said Tara Bendler, overall director of the 2015 Class Gift Campaign. "The gifts around campus are so iconic to the University, and they stand as a reminder of the spirit of giving from generations of Penn Staters. The program allows seniors to take their first step in giving back to the University while supporting future students. I have no doubt my class will choose something that will become timeless to our great University."

Recent class gifts have added new components to campus, as well as enhanced existing landmarks. These have included the HUB Green Roof Terrace; the "We Are" Sculpture, inscribed with the words of the University's Alma Mater; and beautification of the Nittany Lion Shrine. In addition, previous classes have chosen to create or add to direct endowment efforts, such as undergraduate scholarships and library book funds.

Questions about gift proposals can be directed to Geoff Hallett, senior class gift adviser, at 814-865-0198 or gdh15@psu.edu.

Visit www.SeniorClassGift.psu.edu for more information about Penn State's senior class gift program.

Joseph Garratti, an assistant to sculptor Heinz Warneke, roughed out the front leg of the Nittany Lion Shrine during creation of the famous limestone sculpture. Warneke and his crew of artists completed the sculpture in early October of 1942 and it was formally dedicated on October 24 of the same year and presented to Penn State by the class of 1940. The 2012 Senior Class Gift added enhancements to the sight of the shrine including historical displays, improved lighting and ADA accessibility. The University community is invited to submit proposals for the 2015 class gift. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated September 8, 2014

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