Senior Class - Why Give?
The Senior Class Gift is an opportunity for seniors to show their appreciation for the many opportunities that the University has provided to each of them. Each graduating class member is asked to make a donation, honoring a tradition and creating a legacy of support. The Senior Class Gift Committee challenges each member of the senior class to participate. This is a chance for seniors to leave their mark on UD and continue a University of Delaware tradition.
As future alumni of this institution, it's important to understand the value of giving back to UD. Blue Hens donate to UD for all kinds of reasons. Regardless of their backgrounds, affinities, interests and loyalties, Blue Hens give back.
What Alumni Gifts Mean to UD
Alumni gifts help to increase the value of your UD degree. US News & World Report looks at alumni giving percentages to determine their national rankings. The stronger student and alumni support we have, the higher our national rankings and the value of your degree as seen by potential employers.
In the 2007 fiscal year, academic instruction and support for one student at the University of Delaware cost $21,625, yet tuition was $18,450 for out-of-state students and $7,740 for in-state students. Outside resources, like alumni donations, are critical in order to make up the difference.
Benefits of Giving to the Senior Class Gift:
- Why wait? Show your Blue Hen pride and solidify your legacy while still at UD!
- Virtual gratification. You’ll be listed in the Honor Roll online in the “Who's Given?” page of the Senior Class website. You can email that to your friends and family to show them all of the great things you are doing with your education!
- Pay it forward. By supporting the Senior Class Gift you are providing future students the opportunity to get the same great education that you have.
- Be a part of something bigger. While each gift, no matter the size, is important, your gift along with all of your class mates will have a BIG impact. Just imagine, your gift of $20.10, with your neighbors gift of $20.10, plus your roommates $20.10, and their best friend.
There’s strength in numbers so spread the word!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why should I give back when I already pay full tuition, or I have student loans?
In the 2008 fiscal year it cost over $692 million to run UD. Believe it or not, tuition only covers about 33% of the cost of educating a UD student. Thus, even when you pay full tuition – now or by repaying student loans after graduation, the University of Delaware significantly subsidized your education – and can do this only through the generosity of past and present donors.
Isn’t the University of Delaware state-supported?
The State of Delaware provides less than 18% of the University’s budget. We are no longer state supported, but merely state assisted. You may not realize this but UD alumni, parents and friends help to insure that students get a quality education at an affordable price by making gifts to the UD!
I'm graduating and don't need any UD services anymore, so why should I give?
Alumni give to the University because they want current and future students to have the same quality education that they had. Others give as a way of saying “thank you” for the great support they received from faculty and staff. A number of University services are available to Blue Hen alumni. As you join the over 140,000 UD Alumni you will benefit from the services available to this community, including those offered by the UD Alumni Association. Can you imagine the networking opportunities there are with the size of this Blue Hen family?!
Will my contribution really make a difference?
Yes, your gift will make a difference! It will provide direct support to students and professors. It will send a signal to alumni, parents, and the rest of the UD community that you value your education and will inspire them to give, too. By joining together with your classmates, you will have an even greater impact. By combining your class gift with gifts from Annual Fund donors, you will be a part of providing financial aid, increasing funding to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, adding to the University’s library and technology resources, and enhancing the student living and learning experience. Participation and consistency are what are important.
How can I make my gift?
It’s easy – you can charge your gift online, pay by phone or Flex dollars, drop it off at the George Evans House (map), or put it in campus mail – make check payable to University of Delaware, to: University of Delaware, Office of Annual Giving, Newark, DE 19716.