The fragrance of coffee on Second Maura is usually found in some corner of a lounge nesting with a sleepy-eyed student who waits for class, but the past few weeks have had a different flavor. Catch Maura solarium on a Wednesday or Thursday, and you would have rounded the corner to the mocha tones of Jazz wafting with the searing and stirring sounds of cappuccino machines.
By Justin Norris
Director of Development and Communications
The fragrance of coffee on Second Maura is usually found in some corner of a lounge nesting with a sleepy-eyed student who waits for class, but the past few weeks have had a different flavor. Catch Maura solarium on a Wednesday or Thursday, and you would have rounded the corner to the mocha tones of Jazz wafting with the searing and stirring sounds of cappuccino machines.
From April 7-May 6, Seton Hill University’s Annual Fund hosted the SHUBUCKS Café to kick off their “Give a Little, Get a Latte,” student giving campaign. The campaign teaches students the importance of giving and inspires them to give in the practice of their own philanthropy. During the Café hours, any student who gave a minimum gift of three dollars received a specialty coffee in recognition of their gift.
The “Give a Little, Get a Latte” campaign began as an ad hoc giving committee with the collaboration of the Office of Institutional Advancement, the Class of 2010 officers, and the Seton Hill University Student Ambassadors. From beginning to end, the committee oversaw each aspect of the campaign from brainstorming, managing schedules, hanging banners, and sending out promotional materials.
As a result of their hard work, the campaign has already raised $950 in four short days with four more to go. The SHUBUCKS Café represents only a fraction of the $4,500 raised for class gifts, due in large part to the three dollar gifts received from students. “Participation is what’s key,” commented Lisa Carino, director of the Annual Fund, “we are interested that students engage in the practice of giving rather than how much they give.”
Regardless of amount, each student had the option to designate their gift to their class gift, an academic department, sport, or other area of choice; and the general unrestricted fund was, of course, another option.
The general unrestricted fund covers the University’s greatest needs and pays for expenses like operations, equipment, technology and campus upkeep. “Tuition does not cover everything,” said Carino, “and gifts to the Annual Fund helps cover the rest of a Seton Hill education. We hope students learn the importance of this through their class giving today.”
Seniors constituted the largest group of participants this year. The senior class officers have urged their peers to raise $3,500 for the construction of a courtyard behind DeChantal Hall. The new courtyard will feature a concrete and brick walkway with a circular patio, benches, and greenery. A popular feature of the senior class giving campaign has been the brick walkway. Donors can contribute to have their name engraved on a brick, which will be installed in Seton Hill’s new courtyard.
“One of the neatest things about this year’s campaign is that students are literally leaving their legacy behind with their names on bricks,” said Mike Jones, senior class president. He added that, “it has been phenomenal to see [students] collecting dollars here and there to purchase bricks in honor of their coaches, team captains, club presidents, and even professors.”
This year is no exception to the level of generosity by seniors though. The class of 2004 installed a fountain in front of Reeves Library, while not far from it sits the clock erected by the class of 2006. The class of 2007 bronze seal sits in front of McKenna, while students can sit and relax in the class of 2008 gazebo. The seniors, according to Carino, are participating in what has been a tradition since the 1920’s when Seton Hill first emerged. She further commented, “We solicit graduate students, ADP students, and traditional students for class gifts.
These graduates come back on campus and feel proud to see their class legacy displayed on campus, and it reminds them of the wonderful memories they have here.”