Pictured (from left) are Pam Gavin, administrative assistant, The Royal Fund; Lisa Keller, iPad winner; Elyse McCabe, 2011 class gift chair; and Duante Stanton, phonathon manager, The Royal Fund.

Each year before graduation, the University reaches out to the seniors to educate them on the tradition of the Senior Class Gift. The gift is the beginning of their support to their alma mater and an opportunity to begin their personal tradition of giving back to the University that has given them so much as undergraduates. The gift typically represents the graduating class year and this year is no exception. The pledge of $20.11 will provide vital funding for the University's Royal Scholarship Fund. This year 520 pledges were given from 973 undergraduates receiving their diplomas. As part of the program, donors had an opportunity to win an iPad as an incentive to give. 

Congratulations to Lisa Keller, winner of the iPad. Lisa’s name was drawn from among the seniors who completed their Senior Class Gift Campaign pledge this semester. In speaking with Lisa about making a pledge commitment to the Senior Class Gift Campaign, she stated “as a graduating senior, I learned how important it is to give back to Scranton. At first I had no idea of the tremendous ways that alumni helped with my education. I have benefited in tremendous ways from their generosity in gifts large and small from naming buildings, to naming programs to making annual contributions to The Royal Fund. I have also learned that when graduates help out, our educational experience becomes a richer and fuller experience. My $20.11 to the Senior Class Gift program is my first gift as an alumna of The University of Scranton. I realize it is a nominal gift right now, but I hope that someday I can make a difference and thank Scranton by making significantly larger contributions.  Scranton has become my home away from home, the place where I have developed lifelong friendships and a place where I leave with incredible memories and experiences. I want to be part of the alumni group that continues that tradition for others. It's a Scranton tradition every graduate must uphold.”

There's still time to support the campaign and leave your mark to benefit future Scranton students.  If you haven’t made your pledge yet, please call Pamela Gavin in the Development Office at 570-941-7725 or email pamela.gavin@scranton.edu and she will record your pledge and your commitment to keeping Scranton strong by providing the best undergraduate experience ever!