ASHLEY GALLARDO
Staff Weiter
Amidst the scramble to tie up loose ends before graduation, the senior class is being faced with one final challenge before their time is up at Pepperdine. Beginning in 1989, it has been an annual tradition for the graduating class to donate a class gift to the university.
Originally, this campaign was organized to raise money for student scholarships to be distributed, but that changed in 1995. The seniors decided to switch it up by voting to determine their class gift.
The class of 2007 raised money for International Programs to be put into a travel scholarship fund and the class of 2006 donated emergency funds through the Volunteer Center to get supplies to various disaster-stricken areas.
This year, the class of 2008 has come up with the “Rock the Dollar” campaign to help fund the George Pepperdine Statue. At the campaign kick-off held in the Sandbar in February, Seaver Dean David Baird spoke to promote participation from the senior class and also to propose a little incentive. Baird said if the senior class meets the goal of 30 percent participation then he will match what they raise 50 cents for every dollar.
“Establishing a pattern of support of alma mater is extremely important,” Baird said. “To give back demonstrates approval and a continued support of the institutions goals.”
The campaign is at a 17 percent participation level not only from the seniors, but from all of Pepperdine alumni. Baird said the level of participation needs to be far greater.
Baird is passionate about helping with this year’s senior challenge because he said he believes the best way to get the message of giving across is in the collegiate years. He stresses that alumni-giving is a major benchmark as to the quality of an institution and that all gifts, no matter how small, are appreciated.
To donate through a secure online gift form, students can log onto the official Web site at http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/seniorchallenge/. A “Rock the Dollar” donation envelope can also be sent out through the campus mail box. Envelopes are available at the base of the eagle in the library, which has been decorated to show spirit for senior challenge month, and also at the Seaver Alumni Office.
Amanda Marble, manager of Sudent Alumni Organization and Student Advancement, is another resource for further information regarding the challenge. Her role in “Rock the Dollar” has been to recruit seniors to participate as a leadership team and to serve as their mentor throughout the campaign. Marble stresses this campaign is much more about student participation than dollars raised.
If you’re a senior and looking for a reason to donate, Marble said there are two perks in participating beyond Baird’s challenge. A donation of $20 minimum will earn students a 20 percent discount coupon to the Pepperdine bookstore and a chance to honor a Pepperdine faculty or staff member with their gift.
A special senior challenge section will also be included in the commencement program listing the names of all the students who donated to the campaign.
“Don’t let the opportunity pass —‘Rock the Dollar,’” Marble urges, “and help your class continue the 19-year tradition.”
A gift as small as $1 from every student in the graduating class of 2008 is enough to reach this year’s senior challenge goal.
“The point of the challenge is to increase our level of giving, to challenge our seniors to do that,” Baird explains. “Were hoping this year that students will try to rise above the level of previous participation.”
Beyond senior’s participation in the campaign, the symbol of alumni-giving is extremely important to the ranking and opportunities the university will receive.
03-27-2008