The Class of 2013’s class gift will help fund projects that showcase student and faculty cooperation.
The Student-Faculty Partnership Endowment aims to create a strong bond amongst students and faculty while researching new projects.
According to Kendyl Lyons, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, “The U.S. Department of Education gave Saint Xavier permission to repurpose $10,000 that we had previously received from a Title III grant.”
For this particular endowment, the money from the Department of Education must be matched dollar-for-dollar by privately raised funds.
The Class of 1962 also chose to support this fund for their 50th Reunion Gift and raised $6,000 towards making it a reality.
The remaining $4,000 needs to be raised by the Class of 2013 for the endowment to go into effect. For each dollar raised, Lyons states that “Jim and Trish ’83 Morris will match all donations made up to $6,000.” Jim and Trish ’83 Morris have generously matched the Class Gift project since 2001.
When asked what were the practical effects of the endowment, Lyons mentioned “students and faculty [have the] ability to be funded. [The endowment] provides them a new way to work closely together. The Student-Faculty Partnership Endowment will continue to grow to reach more students and faculty.”
Lyons explained that “The first award from this endowment will likely be given in Fall 2015. However, the exact timing depends on a number of factors, including the size of the endowment and market performance.”
Lyons states that “[Anyone] can apply for the award.” Students and faculty, no matter what discipline, who apply for the award have a chance of receiving approximately $500 towards their project.
As for who picks the senior class gift, Mary Rewerts, a senior political science major and member of the Class Gift Committee, stated that “committee members discussed possible gift options and voted on the most meaningful contribution.”
A fellow colleague of hers brought up the idea for the Student-Faculty Partnership Endowment to Lyons’ attention. When bringing the idea to the gift committee, she stated “[There was a] unanimous agreement to the idea [because] this one will last… and affect students.”
For those interested in making a contribution, contact the Office for University Advancement at 773-298-3907.
Brittany Klyczek
News Contributor