financialaid.byu.edu
Around this time of the year, seniors have one thing on their minds: graduation. However, now is also the perfect time for graduating students to think about leaving their mark on the university.
By contributing to the senior class gift, SXU students will be helping their peers and carrying on an SXU tradition.
“This year, donations are going to the Student Relief Fund. Sometimes just a small amount of money can make the difference whether a student stays in school or has to drop out.
The proceeds from the class gift enable students to stay in school and finish their degrees. This support will help current students who have exhausted all financial aid options and are still short of funds to pay tuition or buy textbooks,” said Marie Kelly, Assistant Director for Annual Giving.
Not only will this year’s senior class gift help students in need, it also will provide students with a lasting legacy at Saint Xavier. Senior class gifts are a great way to support the university, even after graduation.
By contributing to this gift, students are also leaving a lasting legacy on both the university and their fellow peers who will benefit from the gift. “Gifts are important as they recognize students’ time here at Saint Xavier University,” said Kelly. “…Making a class gift is an important first step in demonstrating their support for SXU.”
Class gifts have been an SXU tradition since 2001. Throughout the years, the donations have improved many aspects of Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus.
“Some great examples of students’ commitment are the restoration of the Mercy Bell, improvements to the cyber café and the campus emergency system, the purchase of a wheelchair ramp, and scholarships. The class gift is a great way to leave a legacy at Saint Xavier!” Kelly said.
According to Kelly, the Senior Class Gift Committee chooses what to put the donations towards every year. The committee, made up of students who represent the senior class, choose what would be most beneficial and of interest to the senior class each year.
Because so many students at SXU receive some form of financial aid, the Student Relief Fund is a cause that hits close to home with many Saint Xavier students. Many students can relate to depending on financial aid to attend college.
“Nearly every student relies on private support to attend SXU and by making a gift; it can help students receive a college education,” Kelly said. Students also are seeing the benefits behind contributing to a great cause such as the Student Relief Fund.
“What is so amazing about this year’s senior gift is that we, as a class, have the honor of helping students directly. Instead of funneling money into a small addition like a plaque or a statue, we get to help the next generation of SXU students to complete their education and reach their goals.
Everyone deserves a chance at a college education, and I am happy that we can help relieve some of the financial burden for our peers,” said Kristina Krasny, senior English and Philosophy major. Even those who cannot contribute monetary donations to the class gift can help out.
Students can promote the class gift and encourage fellow seniors to give back. “Every gift—whether it’s $10, $25, $50 or more—does matter. All gifts are generously matched dollar for dollar by Jim and Trish ’83 Morris,” Kelly said. Gifts can also serve to make a larger statement from the students doing the donating.
“Students can also make their gift in honor of a faculty or staff member who has made the biggest impact on their Saint Xavier experience and in turn, those people will receive an acknowledgement of the gift made honoring them. Additionally students can also make their gift in tribute to someone,” Kelly said.
All graduating students who contribute $10 or more will be entered in a drawing to receive an additional ticket for May commencement. If you are interested in donating to the senior class gift, you can do so at any time online at sxu.edu, keyword: class gift.
Alternatively, you can make your donation in person at the annual GRADFEST on April 8 at Gilhooley’s. The event will run from 10am – 8pm. Donations will be accepted in the form of cash, check, or credit card.
If you have any questions, please contact Marie Kelly at mkelly@sxu.edu.
Katie Arvia
Senior News Editor
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