UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- From Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21, Penn State seniors will have an opportunity to determine their class legacy by voting for one of three options as their gift to the University.
"We -- and we hope, the rest of our class -- are excited to choose the next gift, and continue one of Penn State's longest traditions," said senior Adam Miller on behalf of the 2012 Senior Class Gift Committee.
After careful consideration, the committee has selected the following three proposals for the final ballot:
-- Class of 2012 Trustee Scholarship. The class of 2012 would endow a Trustee Scholarship to provide assistance to students with financial need. In a Trustee Scholarship, contributions from the class would be invested as an endowment and the annual earned income would be matched by the University. This total income (approximately $20,000) would then be awarded as a scholarship to several Penn State students each year who demonstrate financial need. Because the income is spent, rather than the class’ contributions, the endowed scholarship can be awarded forever and put a Penn State education in reach for students who may otherwise be unable to afford it. If the scholarship is selected, the class will have the opportunity to help determine a suitable physical marker commemorating the gift.
-- Nittany Lion Shrine Historical Display. The class of 2012 would create an historical display about the Nittany Lion Shrine, its creation, and sculptor Heinz Warneke. A gift of the class of 1940, the Lion Shrine is now one of the most recognized and photographed locations on campus. The display would be located adjacent to the Lion Shrine so it would not interfere with the Shrine’s natural environment or photo opportunities. The class would also provide funds for improved lighting, better accessibility, and landscape improvements to the surrounding area, which would make the Shrine more visitor-friendly, any time of year.
-- Restoration of the Land-Grant Frescoes in Old Main. The class of 2012 would contribute funds toward the restoration and preservation of Henry Varnum Poor’s original Land-Grant Frescoes. Funded by the classes of 1932, 1944, 1945, and 1946, and displayed on the walls in the lobby of Old Main, the 1,300 square foot frescoes portray the establishment of the University and Land-Grant education. The frescoes are now showing signs of severe deterioration in the form of flaking paint and large cracks, leaving one of Penn State’s most symbolic treasures in need of repair. The class of 2012 would take the first steps in preserving the tradition and legacy of our University’s history for generations to come.
The final three proposals were chosen from over 150 submitted by Penn State students, faculty and staff.
Seniors can vote online at http://www.SeniorClassGift.psu.edu or in person on the ground floor of the HUB, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 17 to 21. Voting ballots, pledge sheets and gift descriptions will be available at all voting locations and online. Students graduating in May, August, or December of 2012 are eligible to vote and donate to this year’s senior class gift.
The voting results will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at noon in the HUB First Floor Lounge. President Graham Spanier will be present to accept the gift on behalf of the University. The entire Penn State community is invited to attend.
The 2012 Senior Class Gift Committee includes Allison Shutt (chairperson), Elyse Baccino (fundraising chairperson), Gary McMillen (events chairperson), Adam Miller (gift development chairperson), Lauren Perrotti (marketing chairperson), Mackenzy Radolec (student relations chairperson) and Amy Hudak (communications chairperson).
For more information on the senior class gift, visit http://www.SeniorClassGift.psu.edu. To follow up-to-the-minute senior class gift action, visit http://psuseniors.com or follow us on Facebook or @PSUSeniors on Twitter. Questions can be directed to Allison Shutt at ajs5464@psu.edu.