Senior Challenge
News & Notices
2009 Senior Class Sets New Record
Members of the Class of 2009 departed campus with diplomas in hand ready to begin the next phase of their lives, but they have also left a lasting legacy behind at Marietta College.
During the Marietta College 172nd Commencement ceremony the students presented their alma mater with a record setting class gift of $8,652, designated to support the Marietta Fund. Through its fund-raising efforts this year, the Class of 2009 raised a total of $2,826 from 134 seniors, with an average gift size of over $21.
Once again, the Marietta College Alumni Association (MCAA) Board of Directors committed to match the amount raised by seniors, dollar for dollar. As an added bonus this year, the Marietta College Board of Trustees offered the graduating class a special challenge match to set a new record of at least 60% participation and raise $2,000.
The class met that challenge and a check for the total amount of $8,652 was presented to President Scott during the Commencement ceremony by two members of the Senior Challenge Committee, Emily Sheets and Lauren Yoder.
The Senior Challenge Committee, formed in the fall semester, worked throughout the year to educate seniors about their lifelong relationship with the College and the importance of giving back. They developed a theme entitled, "Buiding Our Legacy, Moving Forward, Giving Back", and reached out to the Class of 2009 through a variety of methods, including the first every Philanthropy Day in addition to promotional materials, theme dinners, face-to-face communication, and flash e-cards.
This year, a new record of over 61% of the class responded by making a contribution to the Senior Challenge campaign.
What is the Senior Challenge?
The Senior Challenge program is an opportunity for graduating class to continue a Marietta College tradition. Every year since 1997, the graduating class has united to participate in the Senior Challenge giving campaign. This is a chance for seniors to leave their mark on Marietta College and show their appreciation for the many opportunities the College has and continues to provide them.
Gifts through the Senior Challenge program support the Marietta Fund, which provides and strengthens scholarships and student financial aid, academic programs, student life activities, library resources, athletic programs, classroom equipment and so much more!
Why should I participate?
As a member of the senior class, Marietta College's longstanding tradition of giving back begins with you. In order for the Senior Challenge program to be a success, the class needs your support to help us reach our goal as well as to set the standard for future classes. This year the challenge set forth for the Class of 2010 is to have at least 65 percent of all graduating seniors make their first gift to the Marietta Fund.
Supporting the College not only strengthens the value of the diploma you will receive, but it also helps future students have the same opportunities that you have enjoyed. Publications such as U.S. News and World Report onsider the percentage of graduating seniors and alumni who give back to their alma mater as a factor in determining national rankings. It is not the amount of money raised, but instead the percent of alumni and senior class members who give back—so every gift makes a difference.
How can I participate?
Making your Senior Challenge gift is simple and there are several options:
- Download a Senior Challenge pledge form and return it with your gift of cash, check or major credit card to the Advancement Office, Campus Mailbox B5.
- You may also direct all or part of your freshman room damage deposit to be designated as your Senior Challenge gift. (Use the pledge form to make this designation).
- Make your gift today by using our secure online giving option.
MCAA to Match Senior Class Gifts
The Marietta College Alumni Association (MCAA) Board of Directors has committed to match dollar-for-dollar all gifts made by the Senior Class to the Marietta Fund through the 2010 Senior Challenge program.
“The MCAA matching gift provides motivation and encouragement to the Senior Class,” said Susan Allender, Senior Challenge Advisor. Senior Challenge was established in 1997 as a way for the outgoing class to show their support and appreciation of Marietta College even before becoming alumni.
Questions?
Contact Susan Allender in the Advancement Office at 740-376-4502 or email: susan.allender@marietta.edu
| Year | Number of Graduates | Number of Gifts | Total giving Amounts | Average Gift | Participation Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 221 | 134 | $2,826 | $21 | 61% |
| 2008 | 258 | 51 | $1,537 | $30 | 20% |
| 2007 | 224 | 124 | $2,835 | $23 | 55% |
| 2006 | 200 | 104 | $2,405 | $23 | 52% |
| 2005 | 228 | 114 | $1,476 | $13 | 50% |
| 2004 | 210 | 42 | $1,250 | $30 | 20% |
| 2003 | 254 | 61 | $1,561 | $26 | 24% |
| 2002 | 223 | 103 | $2,447 | $24 | 46% |
| 2001 | 247 | 89 | $3,237 | $37 | 36% |
| 2000 | 165 | 66 | $1,407 | $21 | 40% |
| 1999 | 191 | 109 | $1,856 | $17 | 57% |
| 1998 | 284 | 151 | $1,819 | $12 | 53% |