Giving Program Allows Seniors to Make their Mark at UC.

The advent of a new senior giving program has spurred significant support from senior class leaders. The program, Senior Challenge, calls on members of the Class of 2009 to “Make their Mark” at UC by raising funds for a historic marker program and the senior class Go Green Initiative.

The Senior Challenge raises funds to place a historic marker at a noteworthy spot on campus, honoring events and places within UC that carry significance. Gifts in excess of the cost of the marker will support the Go Green Fund, creating an endowment supporting UC’s efforts to be environmentally friendly. Once the fund reaches the endowment level of $50,000, interest from the endowment will be used to purchase items such as recycled paper goods and energy efficient light bulbs.

Senior class leaders are backing this new giving program in two ways: with a gift in support of the challenge, and with participation on the Student Development Council (SDC). The SDC is comprised of select campus leaders who want to make a difference in UC’s future by working with The University of Cincinnati Foundation to educate fellow students on how private support enriches the UC experience. They also encourage students and young alumni to provide financial support to UC colleges and programs.

“As a senior, I was looking for a way that I could make an impact before I left UC,” says SDC officer Joe Whelan, Class of ’09 “SDC gives me the opportunity to do something to benefit the University in the long run.”

In addition to giving their time through SDC, leaders of the Class of 2009 have made a commitment to supporting UC through significant gifts. Through a new young alumni giving program, the Red & Black Society, UC seniors and graduates of the last 10 years can make a modest gift in support of UC and receive special recognition for their commitment. Members receive benefits such as invitations to special events throughout the year, recognition in the Red & Black Honor Roll of Donors, a one-week pass to the UC Campus Recreation Center and special concierge services for members who live out-of-town.

Supporters have many reasons they give back to UC, but the most common is to give future students the same opportunities that they had. “Giving back is a sure-fire way to provide the leaders of tomorrow with experiences even better than ours today,” says Nate Smith, Class of ’09.

Gregg Pancero, Class of ’09, takes pride in being a Bearcat and knows that his experiences would not have been possible without the support of graduates who came before him. “UC provided me with a great education and wonderful friends,” he says. “I give thanks to UC’s long standing heritage of philanthropy.”

Honors-PLUS senior and former student body president James Radley believes it is extremely important to give back to the University of Cincinnati in appreciation for the opportunities UC has given him for future success. He says, “I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to truly embrace the academic and leadership opportunities that I experienced here without the financial assistance I received through scholarships.” 

To date, the SDC has raised more than $4,000 toward this year’s Senior Challenge goal of $10,000. To support the Senior Challenge, visit www.Giveto.UC.edu/SeniorGift.