Students Redefine Class Giving at the YOU of A

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The tradition of Class Gift makes many people think of a bench on an open lawn with a plaque saying “Class of 1957.” Class Gift has also been reserved for seniors, typically. But at the University of Arkansas, students want giving to be a personal choice. And they want it to have a real impact in a real way. What areas do you care about most? Where would you like to make a difference? The answers to these questions are what make each person’s gift unique. Additionally, Razorback students want to make giving a campuswide initiative. Class Gift is no longer limited to seniors. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are also a part of the program and are encouraged to get involved and start their legacy today.

The purpose of Class Gift is to educate students about the many ways private gift support enhances the Arkansas experience. Why does philanthropy matter? And why should it start with students?

“The future of Class Gift at the U of A is exciting,” said Abigail Brumfield, class of 2013. “The inclusiveness of this new approach speaks to the collective spirit of our campus. Giving students the option to make personal decisions about philanthropy allows us to see what giving is all about, and I am eager to see the impact we’re able to make as a whole.”

The Class Gift program is managed by a student-run council and is coordinated through the Advancement Division’s office of annual programs.

“With the program’s expansion, we want to convey the message of Class Gift to a broader audience,” said Blake Rickman, assistant director for annual programs. “We hope that as students learn how they have benefitted from the support of alumni and friends, they will choose to continue the tradition of philanthropy at their university.”

Making a gift is just one way students can get involved. Another is by helping to select who represents each class on the Class Gift Council. Two elected officials from each class will serve as Class Gift representatives. Elections for the council will be held Oct. 22-24. Applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 17 and can be found at classgift.uark.edu. For more information or to submit an application, contact Blake Rickman at brickman@uark.edu or 575-3238.