Baylor Seniors Raise Funds For Outdoor Social Area

by Amanda Keys, University Development, (254) 710-2561

As Baylor's class of 2006 prepares for graduation, these seniors are not forgetting to express appreciation to the university they love. The students have raised nearly two-thirds of a $25,000 fundraising goal for their senior class gift - an Outdoor Meeting and Social Area at South Russell Field.

"We chose this project because there really wasn't a space on campus that is specifically designed for groups of people or organizations to come together in an outdoor setting," said Senior Class President Ryan Jackson, an El Paso business student. "There's nothing like this on campus where people can get together, throw hamburgers on the grill and play sand volleyball -- just spend some time in fellowship outdoors. The response to the concept has been great."

The vision for the project includes a well-lit concrete patio surface with picnic tables and barbecue pits, as well as a sand volleyball court and attractive landscaping.

"Part of Baylor's mission is to foster a sense of community on campus, and this is a small way that we as a class can contribute to that goal," Jackson said.

This student-led initiative depends primarily on the efforts and contributions of seniors, though many parents choose to honor their child's accomplishment in completing a Baylor education by making a gift in their child's name. Recognizing that students often do not have a lot of money, but that numerous small contributions go a long way, the senior class gift committee is asking each senior to give at least $26.

"Supporting the senior class gift helps develop a sense of philanthropy within students so they understand the importance of giving back to the organizations they believe in, making sure that the students who come after them have as good or better of an experience at Baylor," said Mark Richardson, director of the Baylor Fund.

For more information about the Outdoor Meeting and Social Area or to make a gift, contact Mark Richardson, director of the Baylor Fund, at (254) 710-2561 or Mark_Richardson@baylor.edu or visit www.baylor.edu/seniorclassgift. You also may make your gift online through our secure site at www.baylor.edu/onlinegiving.