BY CAROLINE BUNNELL
Graduating seniors can help contribute to their class’s legacy through donating to the 4 for ’24 fund as the senior class gift.
The gift was chosen through a selection committee, as well as receiving feedback from the Class of 2024.
“At the end of the selection period, we decided to select the top four choices and make it 4 for ’24. The four options selected were The Bridge Fund, The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice, The Student Opportunity Fund, and The Scholarship Fund,” senior class president, Andrew Parker said.
The senior class gift committee first met on February 5 to begin the process of deciding on a class gift. In the initial meetings, the idea for a physical gift was introduced the selection committee was informed that it was no longer an option to do so.
“We originally talked about getting a physical project, like the clock by the quad, but were informed that those were not possible anymore, so we shifted our focus. The Class of 2024 Senior Class Gift Committee talked this semester about different ideas and gave our fellow seniors a poll to select their top choices,” Parker said.
To select these four initiatives, seniors were sent an email with a survey with a variety of initiatives that could be included in the final four selection. The final four decided on each contributed to different aspects of the Stonehill experience and to help support students.
The Bridge Fund supports students who experience a financial hardship during their college education that could potentially prevent them from graduating and earning their degree.
Donating to The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice provides funds to informative lecture series, research, and other educational opportunities. This initiative supports both students and faculty to research race and ethnicity within structures of power.
Scholarships of all kinds are also included in the 4 for ’24 gift. These scholarships widens access to education for all students as well as gives them more opportunity to succeed in their time at Stonehill.
The final option within the class gift is the Student Opportunity Fund. This resource assists students with costs related to enhancing their academic career through various learning activities. In the past this has included teaching certification exam costs, research opportunities, and other travel experiences.
Seniors have had mixed reactions about the selection of the class gift, as many were hoping for a physical gift that was more visible on campus.
“I feel like I’m not inspired by the gift as we don’t have a physical token on campus to remember our class by like the class of 2004 who left a clock outside of the commons,” senior Abby Reed said.
With the 4 for ’24 senior gift, donors can donate to one or all four of the chosen initiatives. Other initiatives are also available to give funds to.
Members of the Class of 2024 are encouraged to donate $20.24 to help honor the legacy of their class.
Donations can be made at https://www.stonehill.edu/giving/stonehill-college-fund/senior-class-gift/