Senior class sponsors Gift Drive

These days $19.95 can buy a senior the services of a professional resume consultant, a few pairs of hosiery and maybe even a new tie. But for members of the Class of 1995, a donation of a little under $20 to the Senior Class Gift Drive will buy much more. From now until the end of the year, all contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar by University trustee Leonard A. Lauder, a Wharton alumnus. The money raised will help fund an incoming freshman's tuition for one semester. "This is a way we can work together as a class and leave a mark on the school," said College senior Michael Rosenfield, co-chairperson of the Gift Drive. "Hopefully, everybody has gained something from the school -- this is a one of the ways they can show their appreciation." The drive -- which was officially launched Nov. 1 -- has already reached the $2,000 level. Organizers said they are aiming to raise a total of $19,950, and are asking seniors to each contribute $19.95. Seniors are soliciting contributions by way of phone-a-thons and mailings to benefit the class's gift, Rosenfield said. He added that they have been pleased with the response they have received so far. "We're really psyched with the turnout," he said. "We've had a lot of generous gifts -- some in the $50.95 and $95 range -- but people can give any amount they can contribute." This year is the last year of Lauder's five-year pledge to match the senior class donations, according to Lauren Kennedy, assistant director of the Penn Fund. She estimated that by the end of this year's drive, Lauder will have contributed a total of $500,000. "The entire premise of the challenge was to get students to give back to the University," she said. "Students need to be cultivated and learn that the University exists through their money." Organizers are also interested in working with the Greek system and the Performing Arts Council to increase enthusiasm for the drive, Rosenfield said. A Performing Arts Night aimed exclusively at seniors and a fund-raising competition among senior members of the Greek system are among some of their ideas, Rosenfield said. The Gift Drive concludes on June 30, 1995.