This Year's Gift

Penn State's class of 2008 has announced its gift to the University: a gateway entrance to the University Park campus that will be located at the intersection of Atherton Street and Curtin Road.

Seniors have so far pledged more than $15,000 to the project.

"Every year, the graduating class has the opportunity to express their love and loyalty for Dear Old State by presenting a gift, and the class of 2008 is honored to continue this legacy with the Atherton and Curtin Gateway Element," says Rebecca Micelli, chair of the senior class gift committee. "As soon-to-be alumni, this is our first chance to generously give back to the University that has given us so much."

Close to Rec Hall and the Nittany Lion shrine, the gateway will complement the style and materials of those campus landmarks. A committee will be formed to oversee the next steps in the project's development.

More than 1,800 seniors cast their ballots last week, in person and online, to vote for one of three proposals: Atherton and Curtin Gateway Element, Appalachian Cove Forest, and Stone Lion Insignia and Scholarship. These proposals were selected from about 20 submitted by members of the University community.

"Class gifts have spanned the history of our University since 1861," says Gail Hurley, interim vice president for Student Affairs, who accepted the gift on behalf of the University. "Each gift is an expression of support from the donating class—not only leaving their mark on this world-class university, but capturing the tremendous spirit of student giving. There is no doubt that this gateway will be popular among members of both town and gown."

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

The 2008 senior class gift committee includes Miceli; Mary Rowe, gift development chair; Alicia Koval, communications chair; Katherine Wheatle, student relations chair; and Stephen Hulick, marketing chair.

The tradition of class gifts began when the class of 1861, at its reunion in 1890, gave the University a portrait of Penn State's first president, Evan Pugh, which still hangs in the lobby of Old Main. Visit http://www.SeniorClassGift.psu.edu to find out more about previous class gifts to Penn State.