Senior class starts gift drive

Before exiting its grounds this spring, Penn seniors will bestow a parting gift upon the University. The gift-giving is traditional -- the gift itself is not. Seniors are currently raising funds for a newly-renovated staircase to Houston Hall. Past graduating seniors have paid for meeting rooms, lounges and, once, even tuition money for one lucky incoming freshman. According to organizers, the gift committee has been working hard with Penn Fund representative Catherine Sullivan since the start of the spring semester to reach its goals of $50,000 and participation from at least 1,000 members of the Class of 2001. The senior class is coordinating the annual gift drive along with the Penn Fund, which is the undergraduate annual giving fund for the University. The co-chairs -- College seniors Joanna Kasirer, Nancy Romatzick, Rania Margonis and Damian Werts -- said they have raised about 10 percent of the needed funds, but added that the monetary goal is not nearly as important as class participation. "It's a good way to show not only school spirit, but class spirit," Werts said. "At this stage in the game, we're still trying to increase awareness," he added. The committee includes approximately 20 seniors, most of whom are members of sororities, fraternities and other campus organizations. Although fundraising did not begin until the beginning of the spring semester, the committee formed and began brainstorming in the fall. The committee researched recent renovations and plans for future additions to the University, compiling a list. Among the suggestions are the new fitness center in Gimbel Gym, which has yet to be built, and several facilities in the recently renovated Perelman Quadrangle. In contrast to past years, where committee members picked the gifts, the senior class voted for their picks on PennInTouch this year. "We just thought it would be fair to put it to a vote," Margonis said. She added that only about half of the class voted, saying "It's not as representative of the class as it should be." Once the votes were counted and the final decision made, the committee sent out letters to the members of the senior class asking for donations. "It takes a little while for seniors to become aware [of the gift drive]," Romatzick added. Within the next few weeks, the committee plans to set up a table on Locust Walk where students can make donations. Organizers will also construct a large display showing the gift drive's progress and proximity to its goal. When the gift drive is complete, the seniors will present a check to University President Judith Rodin during the week of graduation.