Last year, the senior class of 2012 set a giving record for the senior class gift as they were able to have 37 percent of their class participate in making a gift in honor of the class.
With the goal of beating the record in mind, the Elon class of 2013 has set a goal of 40 percent to be reached in time for graduation on May 25.
In order to make this goal a reality, the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Senior Class Giving Committee hosted Uncorked: Senior Wine Etiquette on Feb. 18 and 19 at the Depot Station at Mill Point. At this event, seniors were able to attend a semi-formal event that taught them how to pour, sip and serve wine in a business setting while also dining on various passed hor d’oeuvres that complemented the various white and red wines.
To help seniors understand the dos and don’ts of wine etiquette, Chad from Wine Warehouse and Rioja! A Wine Bar, were brought in to educate students in an hour-long crash course through six various wines.
As seniors prepare to change their status from student to alumni, the Office of Alumni Engagement welcomes them to join their peers of partner, advocate and investor alumni. Working together with the university is how we will all ensure that students of the future will enjoy and develop their own Elon Experience.
In preparing seniors to join the ranks of other partner, advocate, and investor alumni, the Senior Class Giving Committee is not only looking to set the new class gift record, but to also sponsor events that allow seniors to stay invested and engaged in activities throughout the year. The committee believes that by increasing engagement and participation now, then as alumni the class will continue to be invested in Elon and this will lead to future gifts and participation as alumni.
As of Feb. 22, the class currently sits at 5 percent participation towards the senior class gift. In a class of 1,115 people it takes about 10 people to increase the percentage by 1 percent. This shows that the class has more work to do, but events such as Uncorked are a positive step in the right direction. Nearly 20 gifts were made in two nights and four seniors were able to walk away with some wonderful prizes as a result of their gifts. Seniors JJ Evans, Marissa Mastracola, Dave Brown and Mary Peters each won wine-related prizes as they were selected as winners of the event’s raffle.
While Uncorked was a success, the Senior Class Giving Committee wants the momentum to continue throughout the rest of the school year. The committee will be working at the upcoming Grad Fair on Feb. 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the bookstore where students will be able to contribute to the senior class gift.
Students may also contribute to the class gift any time by visiting the alumni section of the Elon website and going to the give now section. Gifts can be designated to any organization or school on campus and are a great way to leave a lasting mark on the Elon community.
Make your impact now by donating your senior gift at www.elon.edu/makeagift.
Seniors are encouraged to like the class of 2013 on Facebook and Twitter in order to stay abreast of class activities and events.