The senior gift drive will be continuing its push through graduation and the following weekend to reach a goal of more than $60,000 to be put toward scholarships and student life.
According to gift drive co-Chairman Eric Boschetti -- who has donated $250 of his own money to the campaign -- the senior class has been able to raise more than $40,000 so far, thanks to a recent surge in donations.
"We're kicking into high gear onto this last lap, and it's definitely paid off," the College senior said.
However, Boschetti noted that the gift drive's focus lies not on the amount of money raised, but on the number of students who donate money to the drive.
"Last year they set the record with 54 percent participation," he said, noting that this year's senior class set a goal of 60 percent. "I think we'll actually be able to surpass that."
The drive currently has donations from more than 900 benefactors, meaning another 300 to 400 donors are needed to meet the 60 percent goal.
Though the senior gift drive technically runs until the end of the fiscal year, June 30, donations usually stop being given in large numbers after the weekend following graduation.
In past, many senior gifts have gone toward single projects. The Class of 2004 helped fund the construction of the garden courtyard outside Mark's Cafe, which is located in Van Pelt Library. Previous gifts have funded student lounges and the refurbishing of campus walks.
This year, however, organizers decided to try something different.
Most of the money will fund the Class of 2005 Term Scholarship, which will be awarded to a student of the Class of 2009. The leftover funds will be added to Penn's unrestricted funds, which go toward improvements in college houses or university life -- such as starting a new course or building a computer lab.
"We're helping people come to Penn, and we're helping the people who are already at Penn have a better experience while they're here," Boschetti said.
His message found an audience in seniors such as John Carr, who donated to the drive.
"I've had a pretty good four years here, and I figured I'd continue that by being associated with the alumni," the Wharton student said, adding, "I like to see money going to people who can't afford such a high bill."
"The word is getting out, and it's making all the difference," Boschetti said.
