Seniors begin class gift campaign

Members of the Class of 2009 can donate and vote on the senior class gift.

Last week, the Class of 2009 kicked off the senior class gift campaign with a celebration to announce the three ideas for a senior class gift. Students who donate to the fund have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The options are:

Bulldog statues to adorn the second entrance to Bulldog Stadium
Commencement Walk between the Archway and the Commencement tent
Volleyball court in the townhouse area

“We want to make sure that the Class of 2009 leaves a prominent mark on the University, as well as convey a sincere ‘thank you’ for everything the school has given us,” says Hannah Jorgensen (Spruce Head, ME), class gift cochair.

(L-R) Anne Koskey-Wagoner (Lynn, MA), President Ronald K. Machtley, Hannah Jorgensen (Spruce Head, ME), Normand Duquette (Rehoboth, MA), and First Lady Kati Machtley

At the kickoff event hosted by the Class Gift Committee, more than $12,000 was raised with 10 percent of the senior class donating. Campaign Week, which takes place in the Koffler Rotunda, continues through Friday, November 7. Students can stop by to make a donation and cast their vote for the class gift.

The goal is to raise $35,000 with a 50 percent participation rate. The gift will be announced as part of a second Campaign Week that is planned for February.

Making an impact

The three cochairs of the Class Gift Committee,Jorgensen, Normand Duquette (Rehoboth, MA), and Anne Koskey-Wagoner (Lynn, MA), say they wanted to spearhead efforts for the class gift as a way to give back to Bryant for a memorable college career.

“I got involved with the Senior Class Gift Committee because I wanted to be part of a long-lasting legacy at Bryant,” says Koskey-Wagoner, a double concentrator in marketing and management.

(L-R) Normand Duquette (Rehoboth, MA), Anne Koskey-Wagoner (Lynn, MA), and Hannah Jorgensen (Spruce Head, ME)

“I have had such a wonderful experience at Bryant,” says Jorgensen, a marketing concentrator. “Although I can never thank the people here enough, I felt giving a gift to the University that will be here for years to come was an excellent way to show my gratitude.”

Duquette, a finance major who aspires to be a financial analyst, agrees. “I wanted to give back to the University that has provided me with so many opportunities.

Culture of philanthropy

The cochairs say the gift will help the Class of 2009 develop a connection with Bryant that will last long into the future.

“The class gift is very important in unifying our class and developing a culture of giving back,” says Duquette. “It is great to know that in 20 years, we can come back to campus with our families and show them our gift.”

Back row (L-R) Joe Pelletier (Newburyport, MA), Jay Hurtubise (Warwick, RI), Hassan Zawawi (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Alicia Haelen (Middletown, NY), Christine Lorefice (New Windsor, NY), and Ben Healy (Reading, MA). Middle row (L-R) Matt Moore (East Sandwich, MA),Jillian Emma (Henniker, NH), Rachel Martinich (Fairfield, CT), Aisha Whichard (West Haven, CT), Maria Musarskaya (Moscow, Russia), Alyssa Quattropani (Colchester, CT), Jenna Coates (Wethersfield, CT), Stephanie Montagano (Wakefield, MA), and Del Gagnon (Presque Isle, ME). Front row (L-R) Hannah Jorgensen (Spruce Head, ME), Normand Duquette (Rehoboth, MA), and Anne Koskey-Wagoner (Lynn, MA).

“Our goal is to instill the importance of donating to your alma mater,” says Koskey-Wagoner. “Bryant would not be what it is without the support of students and alumni.”

Jorgensen says making a donation to the class gift fund is a good way to show your dedication to the continued success of Bryant.

“Making a donation is a great start in building a relationship of giving and beginning a long-lasting commitment to your alma mater,” says Jorgensen.

2009 Senior Class Gift Committee

Cochairs

Normand Duquette (Rehoboth, MA)
Hannah Jorgensen (Spruce Head, ME)
Anne Koskey-Wagoner (Lynn, MA)

Marketing Publicity Committee

Christine Lorefice (New Windsor, NY), Subcommittee Cochair
Maria Musarskaya (Moscow, Russia), Subcommittee Cochair
Jason Dodier (Cranston, RI)
Del Gagnon (Presque Isle, ME)
Joe Pelletier (Newburyport, MA)

Events Committee

Rachel Martinich (Fairfield, CT), Subcommittee Chair
Sasha Batista (Providence, RI)
Jillian Emma (Henniker, NH)
Matt Moore (East Sandwich, MA)
Maria Musarskaya (Moscow, Russia)
Craig Namerow (Cranston, RI)
Aisha Whichard (West Haven, CT)
Hassan Zawawi (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Solicitation Committee

Ben Healy (Reading, MA), Subcommittee Cochair
Alyssa Quattropani (Colchester, CT), Subcommittee Cochair
Ashley Crawford (Lynnfield, MA)
Kevin Douglas (Franklin, MA)

Recognition and Appreciation Committee

Elizett Pires (New Bedford, MA) Subcommittee Chair
Jenna Coates (Wethersfield, CT)
Alicia Haelen (Middletown, NY)
Jay Hurtubise (Warwick, RI)
Stephanie Montagano (Wakefield, MA)
Aisha Whichard (West Haven, CT)

Advisors

Susan Detri-Souve, Director of Annual Giving
John Lindsay, Director of the Center for Student Involvement