Incentives such as a BBQ, along with a first pitch throw at Fenway, helped the Boston University Senior Gift Committee’s challenge move toward closing the gap in its goal of getting 2,012 donors, members said.
“We are raising more money [than last year],” said Graduate School of Management student Allie Rowe, the student philanthropy programs manager. “At this point, we’re about 20 percent ahead in how much we’re bringing in.”
The incentive, which is running throughout April, offers the college that raises the most money a BBQ, provided that the seniors reach the goal. With the senior class gift campaign coming to a close at the senior breakfast May 4, the offer may encourage more students than those interested in throwing the first pitch at a Red Sox game during senior week.
Patrick Hazel, a donor and a College of Communication senior, said donating is intrinsically important so graduating seniors can leave their mark.
“It’s important because it’s something you’ll always remember,” Hazel said. “It’s your last thing to give to your class. It means a lot to the school and the students themselves.”
Adam Adelson, College of Arts and Sciences senior who donated, said because he has been so grateful to be a part of BU, he wanted to give back in some way.
“It’s hard to say that $5 is going to make a difference, but the more people that donate, the more of a difference we can make collectively,” Adelson said.
COM senior Lauren Pyes, the student relations co-chairwoman of the committee, said committee members spent a long time deliberating about the challenge.
“[Last year] a student dared Dean Elmore, ‘If we can get 2011 donors, will you jump in the Charles?’” Pyes said. “So he did that.”
Students this year said they wanted to participate more than last year’s class did, Pyes said.
“BU students grab onto that sense of competition,” Rowe said. “We hope to be at our goal by senior breakfast . . . . If not before then, we hope to reach our goal at the breakfast.”
Pyes said donors can give their gift to any on-campus group of their choice.
“The important thing for students to know is they can give their gift where they want it to go – a club they were a part of, their school, different funds on campus, teams that they support [or] a professor that had a positive impact,” she said.
Jonathan Tay, a donor and a School of Hospitality Administration senior, said the class gift brings students together.
“Sometimes all of the colleges are by themselves, but the senior gift is a great way to show that we’re one BU,” Tay said.
Amey Owen, CAS and COM senior who donated, said her school could win if everyone takes the campaign seriously by donating “even just a $1” by the deadline.
“BU has done something for everyone,” Owen said. “It’s important that everyone give back how BU has given to them.”
Kellie Lee, a donor and a SMG senior, said BU has made her a “better person” than she was four years ago.
“[The class gift] solidifies how proud we are to be a part of the BU community,” Lee said. “I’m insanely proud to be graduating from SMG. I want to continue that legacy.”
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