Seniors Cindy Huynh, left, and James Webb, center, are co-chairs of the Senior Class Challenge. Cam Stoufer, right, is director of annual and special gifts. (Cheng Saechao/UC Davis)
How much would you say your senior values his or her experience at UC Davis? Enough to sacrifice a week's worth of lattes?
Those espresso drinks more than amount to the $20.07 each senior is being asked to give to the Senior Class Challenge in honor of their graduation year, says Cam Stoufer, director of annual and special gifts.
"We know there are many good causes," Stoufer says. "But you only have one alma mater. With approximately 3,800 seniors graduating in June, if everyone gave, it could have a remarkable impact."
Building a tradition of philanthropy
Nearly all students feel some affinity to the campus, and, in most cases, their experiences here have been life-changing. Seniors have been giving back to the campus since 1982 through the annual giving program developed to encourage participation and build a tradition of philanthropy for students and alumni.
While in the past the gift took the form of a physical enhancement to the campus, in the last five years the gift has been applied to discretionary funds that allow greater flexibility and support of programs. All gifts will help support UC Davis and may go toward student scholarships or fellowships; new and upgraded classrooms, labs and residence halls; or other expenditures that help the university be a leader in teaching and discovery.
Vital to academic excellence
Because the university doesn't receive all the necessary funding from the state (only about 25 percent comes from state coffers), private philanthropy is vital to maintaining the academic excellence that UC Davis provides, Stoufer says. When seniors give back, they are saying thank you, and she hopes they will establish a regular habit of giving back to their alma mater.
"The personal and professional growth received here will follow students throughout their lives," Stoufer says. "Without private support, we wouldn't have the top-ranked, world-class institution that is UC Davis."
Your student can make a gift online at the challenge's Web site.
Top of page
Return to previous page