Nearly 520 members of the Class of 2011 made gifts to the annual Senior Class Fund, representing a record-high 32.6 percent participation rate—up 163 percent from just four years ago.
“We are very proud of this year’s results and believe it’s a reflection of the tremendous experience we shared during our four years at Vanderbilt,” says Zach Pfinsgraff, BA’10, who chaired the effort last year, leading a committee of nearly 50 seniors who helped coordinate the group’s activities.
The Senior Class Fund is a collection of individual gifts from each graduating class. It functions as a student group on campus, led by an overall campaign chair and four co-chairs—all members of the senior class—who execute outreach and informational activities to educate their peers about the importance of giving. The focus is on individual and personal gifts, with those funds going toward the area of the university chosen by each senior.
Gifts from the Class of 2011 collectively totaled nearly $21,500 and will impact programs and organizations across the entire campus. The Senior Class Fund committee is advised by staff members of Vanderbilt’s Development and Alumni Relations Office.
“We rallied around the idea of giving back to the schools, student organizations and causes on campus that made the biggest impact on us—ensuring future generations of students will continue to enjoy and build upon what we left behind,” says Pfinsgraff.
“It is exciting to see how the Senior Class Fund has picked up momentum year after year. I believe more students and young alumni are embracing the concept of a lifelong relationship with Vanderbilt. Continued participation is key, and I challenge and anticipate the Class of 2012 to set a new participation record next year!”