The Senior Class Gift Committee and Program Coordinator for the office of Alumni Engagement, Bradley Heavner hosted the Senior Class Gift Kick-Off on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. This annual social event was held at the Palmieri Activities Center and gave the Class of 2022 an opportunity to hang out and donate to the senior class gift.
This is a tradition at Mount St. Mary’s University where the graduating class funds a gift to give to the University as a way to show gratitude to the Mount. The funds usually go towards the Mount’s annual funds but if the donor requests, the funds can go to the department of their choice whether that is Mount Athletics or the department of their major. Heavner manages the funding of the class gifts and planning of the events.
The Senior Class Gift Committee is in charge of hosting events and communicating to its class everything regarding the senior class gift. Their goal is to have a lasting impact on the senior. Committee members as usually appointed or nominated from other committees they have served in the past, but anyone is welcome to join. The Senior Class Gift Kick-off was the first of many events to come.
Doors opened for the event at 7 p.m. A few members of the committee gave opening remarks as the attendees got settled in. The PAC venue was dressed up more than usual. The outdoor deck was opened but fenced off with lounge chairs and a seating area. The event was catered by the Mount with crab cakes, chicken, fruit and other hors d’oeuvres. For those who were 21 and older, beer and wine was provided.
Seniors who attended the event were grateful to have the opportunity to hang out with their class especially in light of the pandemic.
“Learning how to socialize after the past year has been hard. Being a student-athlete, and between rugby and classes, it is been hard to find downtime, but I am grateful that they are hosting this event so our class can just hang out,” said Tiana Wheeler (C’22).
“Yeah it’s nice they’re hosting this event so we can just relax and hang out like old times. And the food is great, the fruit is fruiting,” exclaimed Mercy Wanjiku (C’22).
Those who donated $20.22 received a custom class of 2022 glass. After the event, those who donate to the senior class gift will be invited to the Senior Send-off in the spring. Any amount of donation is welcomed so seniors are encouraged to give what they can afford.
Class of 2022 should keep an eye out for future emails about upcoming events during the spring semester.