Giving back starts now
Four years ago, I entered SMU as a wide-eyed first-year with little direction where I was going to be my senior year. Now that time has come and I often wonder where I will go next. One thing I do know is that I want to leave my mark behind at my alma mater SMU.
As senior class president, I am presented with the opportunity to do just that through representing my fellow classmates. We have the chance to show SMU what it has given to us. This month the Senior Class Council voted on what we, the class of 2003, would leave behind to the university.
We have seen the campus drastically change in its physical façade. Old buildings are just memories and new ones have taken their places to create new memories for future mustangs. We are the last class to remember football games before Gerald J. Ford Stadium at the Cotton Bowl. Last year the Capital Campaign successfully concluded and we are here to see the fruition of the university’s efforts in new buildings such as the Junkins Engineering Building and the soon to be completed Blanton Student Services Building.
Although we will not be here when the new Blanton Student Services building opens in late 2003, we will be able to see the formation of what will be the new East Quad. Where once was the senior parking lot will now stand the new entrance to SMU. The Blanton Student Services Building will be the location where tours start for perspective students, where current students will register, and where many former Mustangs will meet for events such as Homecoming.
Our class will be donating the central focal point of the new East Quad: the East Quad planter. When visualizing it, think a smaller version of the quad in front of Dallas Hall with plants where the fountain stands. The Senior Class Council voted to be a part of the changing face of campus and concluded this project would have the most impact. This will be one of the most well traveled areas of the university once completed. Our gift will “help shape the first impression of the thousands of annual visitors to campus” comments President Turner.
This year it is now more affordable than ever to donate to the Senior Class Gift. Donations can be as little as $20.03 to $2003 and many payment plans in between. There is no excuse not to be able to give. I challenge every senior to give back and when doing so remember all that SMU has given you. More information will be coming to each senior in the next few months.
In the meantime, please visit giving.smu.edu to find out more about how you can make a difference.
