With fewer than 100 days left until seniors graduate, it may seem a little early for Boston University to send them letters and emails urging them to donate money.
But Legacy, one of BU’s newest donation programs, asks seniors to donate at least $20.04 “in honor of a professor or administrator who made a significant impact on [their] college experience,” according to BU’s website.
Legacy Program Director Rachel O’Reilly said the program has been giving students the opportunity to give back to the school for three years now.
Donations go to the school of the chosen faculty member, O’Reilly said, and the money can be spent at the school’s discretion, for things like renovating facilities or funding programs.
O’Reilly said about 120 students participated in Legacy last year, raising about $5,000. With increased exposure, she said BU hopes to get 400 students to contribute this year.
BU spokesman Colin Riley said the program recognizes professors who “are generally outstanding faculty mentors.”
But Ray Sam, a School of Management senior, said he vehemently opposes the Legacy program.
“I’ve already given them tons of money,” Sam said. “It just seems as though most of the money that goes into the university goes into wasteful programs.”
College of Arts and Sciences senior Donna Yates, an archeology major, said she would consider donating money only “if they gave [the money] to my department.” But Yates said BU offers many other ways of recognizing professors that do not cost money.
“It costs nothing to nominate a professor for school-wide awards,” Yates said.
2003 College of Engineering graduate Andre Botelho said he had mixed reactions about the program when he first received an email about it last year, and he did not end up donating.
“At that point, I couldn’t think about giving anyone any money,” he said.
CAS senior Jason Dooley said despite the inability to donate this year, he likes the concept.
“I don’t have enough money to give a donation for it but I liked the idea,” he said. “I like the idea of honoring a professor.”
CAS senior David Kovacks said Legacy is an excellent way to honor professors who made a difference in students’ lives.
“I have had several professors that have been amazing, and I would find it hard to single any one professor out,” he said. “Several donations might become expensive for a college student.”
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