2007 Senior Class Gift

Penn State's class of 2007 has announced its gift to the University: a Celebration Garden at Rec Hall. Seniors have so far pledged nearly $30,000 to the project, which will improve the area near the main entrance with a garden and seating.

"The class of 2007 is excited to honor Rec Hall with a Celebration Garden to commemorate the building's 80-year history," said Jordan Ford, senior class gift overall chair. "Rec Hall holds a special place in the hearts of Penn Staters, and our gift will enhance this historic landmark. Located in a highly visible part of campus, this area is frequented by many alumni and visitors who stay at the Nittany Lion Inn and visit the Lion Shrine. Also, more students attend the new gym in Rec Hall than ever before.

"Our gift will show our appreciation for the memories we've had there as students and those that we will have in years to come."

A committee will be formed to oversee the next steps in the development process of the project.

"This garden will not only add further beauty to what I consider the most attractive college campus in America," said Penn State President Graham Spanier, "but also will enhance a section of our University Park campus that sees a tremendous number of visitors. The wonderful spirit of giving found in our students and alumni is a source of immense pride for our University, and we are grateful to the class of 2007 for this enduring gift."

More than 2,800 seniors cast their ballots last week (Nov. 6-10), in person and online, to select one of three proposals. The other two choices on the ballot were "Enhancing Fisher Plaza" and "Benches and Beautification of the Allen Street Mall." These proposals were chosen from nearly 30 submitted by the University community.

The funding for the class gift comes from seniors pledging all or a portion of their general deposit or making cash gifts. The $100 deposit is held by the University during a student's time at Penn State and is used to cover any unforeseen expenses, fees, and emergency costs.

The 2007 senior class gift overall committee includes Ford; Carolyn Denomme, gift development chair; Laura Unger, communications chair; and Sarah Kreinbihl, student relations chair.

Penn State seniors have been making class gifts to the University for more than 100 years. This began when the class of 1861, at their reunion in 1890, gave the University a portrait of Penn State's first president, Evan Pugh, that still hangs in the lobby of Old Main. Visit http://www.SeniorClassGift.psu.edu to find out more information about previous class gifts to Penn State.