Erin DeGregorio ’16
While Casey’s is usually known as one of the student hub-centers for studying, hanging out, and eating, it was transformed into an upscale venue for the 7th Annual Senior Class Gift Kick-Off Party on Sunday, January 17. The Class of 2016 had the opportunity to add an extra night to their senior year and be part of the class legacy by attending the event in their best formal wear, despite the cold weather and snow flurries outside.
Hosted by Alumni Relations and the Senior Gift Committee, the social celebration allowed the 145 participating seniors to return to campus one day early, reunite with friends, and fundraise money for the Senior Class Gift.
“It was great to see so many students happy to be back on campus,” said Jake Hill '09, Associate Director of Alumni Relations. “I had a lot of seniors come up and thank me for putting the event together.”
This year’s Kick-Off Party raised $5,115 from 148 donors. Contributions to the 2016 Senior Class Gift will be used to build the "Ring of Honor,” a monument that will stand in the center of the Academic Quad and recognize all of the $1 million+ donors to Siena College. The present-day Senior Class Gift committee members believed this gift could serve as an opportunity to thank Siena’s greatest supporters for their generosity, both past and present.
As per the Senior Class Gift Campaign, all seniors who donate $100 at the Gold Dome Level will have their names engraved on a plaque located at the Ring of Honor. At the Saint Level of $50, seniors will be recognized at the “Toast to the Class of 2016: Alumni Welcome Champagne Reception” during Senior Week. Additionally, students who attended the party and any senior who donates more than $20.16 this semester, in honor of their class year, will have early access to the Saints Online Community, a digital platform that allows them to network with fellow alumni.
“The Kickoff Party was great! It was a lot fun to be back early with all of my friends while supporting the Senior Gift,” said Alex Carchietta ’16. “[It was] an excellent way to start the last semester of a wonderful four years at Siena!”
This year’s graduating class hopes to reach and exceed their $12,000 goal before they recollect on fond memories from their “education of a lifetime” and receive their diplomas on May 15. Siena’s previous graduating classes have exceeded their goals by Senior Week for the past four years.
Photos from the event can be viewed on Flickr at this link.
For more information regarding the “Ring of Honor” project or if you would like to support the Class of 2016 Senior Gift, please visit www.siena.edu/seniorgift.
