Hike up to the Big C, take a nap in Memorial Glade, go to the top of the Campanile, make a gift to Cal. That last item is something the Senior Gift Committee is striving to make sure is on every senior’s to-do list. Since the fall, committee members have contributed their time and ideas to the Class of 2009 Senior Gift Campaign , which is on track to exceed last year’s numbers, with more than 1,446 donors and $76,515 raised as of April.
“Berkeley is such an influential place, and it’s so different from anywhere else. Why would I not do something for the place that I love?”
— R.J. Maloney, Outreach Chair
Major: Film Studies
From staffing tables at campus events to organizing senior activities to starting their own Facebook community, the students have brought creativity and enthusiasm to this year’s effort, along with a tremendous sense of teamwork and community spirit, says Rowena Montoya, who is the manager of young alumni and student philanthropy and the committee’s main staff liaison. “When the College of Engineering let us know their senior gift table was short-staffed,” says Montoya, “several committee members stepped in to fill the gap. One, a geography major, is tabling there twice a week.”
“Not all of us can be like T. Boone Pickens, but it’s important to get everyone in the tradition of giving back, regardless of their means.”
— Benjamin Matts, Committee Member
Major: History
The 46-member committee is composed of students who come from all majors, schools, and colleges. Several, such as committee co-chair Kamini Lall, are transfer students who have found the senior gift a great way to get involved. “I try to tell people about my story, how I’m a transfer student and in this short time I’ve made this strong connection with the campus. This is my way to make a further connection.”
“These students continually amaze me,” Montoya beams, “and their work is really paying off. This year is one of our best fundraising years on record.”
“Any student that can’t attend for monetary reasons is an opportunity lost for the school and the student.”
— Adam MeleroHaas Senior Gift Campaign Chair
Major: Business Administration
“So much of our funding and our experience has been because alumni in the past have given to us, so it’s important to keep the tradition of giving.”
— Renata Coco, Events Chair
Major: Art History and Statistics
