Senior class revives tradition, gives gift to university

By Sage Tokach, Staff Writer

Seniors will present the university with a gift from their class as they finish their undergraduate schooling.

The tradition of the senior gift was strongest in the 1920s through 1950s.

Then, it faded away for a while, but recent senior classes have brought it back in the hopes of strengthening the campus community.

“With the senior gift, seniors give back to the school that helped shape them and gave them their future,” said Paty Lopez, design and production sophomore. “It’s about giving thanks and strengthening your alma mater.”

Seniors vote each year to decide on their gift.

Past gifts include benches for campus, grandfather clocks, a sundial, and monetary gifts.

This year’s gift will be a monetary donation to fund a scholarship.

Seniors can go to okcu.edu/classgift to vote on various options including a general unrestricted fund, an endowed fund, or study abroad scholarships.

Voting closes April 30.

“The senior class gift reminds students that OCU relies on charitable contributions,” said Carrie Sauer, assistant director of annual giving university advancement and external relations. “Without donations from alumni and friends in the community, we wouldn’t be able to keep class sizes small, offer scholarship aid, or expand our campus.”

Donations are made electronically, on the same website as the voting.

The motto for the campaign is “Give $15 for the Class of ‘15” because the seniors have been asked by the university to donate at least $15 because they are the class of 2015. Seniors that give $15 or more will receive a special blue and white tassel to wear at graduation.

They also will be recognized at the Senior Sendoff Dinner on May 7.

There is a Facebook page, Oklahoma City University Senior Class Gift, with updates.

For more information about senior gifts, contact Carrie Sauer, assistant director of annual giving at 208-5873, or contact a member of the class gift committee by email. Those members are Lopez, Felicity Owens, sociology sophomore,  Kenzie Slothower, psychology sophomore, and Austin Nale, cell and molecular biology senior.