The class of 2014 voted to create a scholarship as this year’s senior class gift. The funds will be used to provide students with scholarships, financial aid packages, and opportunities in professional development, according Rachel Pearson, associate director of alumni relations.

 The class of 2014 scholarship — chosen from a survey taken by seniors from Oct. 29 to Oct. 30 — was announced on Halloween during a Senior Spotlight event hosted by the Senior Class Council  and Emerson College for Life, said Lindsey Athansiou, coordinator for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.  Emerson College for Life is an organization that encourages further connections between alumni and students through networking programs and social events.  Pearson runs Emerson College for Life along with Athansiou, Motevalli-Onliner, and Kyle Haley, a senior visual and media arts major.

The goal for the fund is $20,000, an amount calculated based on previous senior gift campaigns, said Athansiou. Gifts can be donated in installments, and payment options will be outlined in an email sent to the senior class by the end of this week, she said.

Tati Motevalli-Onliner, giving assistant for the office of development and alumni relations, said that while reaching Emerson College for Life’s goal would be preferable, any contribution counts.

“Anything that you can give makes an impact, so we’re encouraging seniors to give what they can,” said the senior marketing communication major. “Because we’re leaving a legacy.”

 According to Athansiou, other gift options this year included a gift to the service learning center or to the student activities fund.  She said that previous senior gifts have varied, and haven’t always been scholarships.

Jennifer Glatz, a senior visual and media arts major, said she voted for the scholarship.

“I believe in giving something back in terms of education and making sure that people can get the education they want and desire,” she said. 

There are several ways for students to get involved and if they have any questions, Pearson said they can contact her. Emerson College for Life is currently developing its marketing plan with the use of social media and collaboration with the Senior Class Council, said Athansiou.

The scholarship will last as long as the donors’ contributions do, said Anthansiou.

“I think that what’s nice about the gift is that it’s something that’s sustainable for a really long time,” said Motevalli-Onliner.  “I know that I’m giving a gift as a senior, but I’m also going to continue to give even after I’ve left.”