As Senior Week rolled into Commencement Weekend, the Annual Champagne Toast Reception symbolized the transition from student to alumni life for those Siena College seniors who were about to graduate. While the event is an opportunity to welcome the graduating class as the newest alumni of the College, it has also become a perfect opportunity to celebrate the completion of a successful Senior Class Gift Campaign. Since the inaugural event in 2012, each graduation class has reached their fundraising goals by the time they enter the courtyard at Serra Manor for the Champagne Toast. Some classes have actually benefitted from late fundraising surges to hit their goals on the afternoon of the event.
On the heels of the Class of 2017, who raised the most money for a single-year Senior Gift campaign in the history of Siena College with $21,129, the Class of 2018 had large shoes to fill. This year, the Senior Class Gift Committee once again set an ambitious goal to raise $15,000 (to be matched with $10,000 from a trustee) to establish an endowment to help cover the cost of candles at the Grotto, in perpetuity.
Ever ready for a challenge, the 2018 seniors made strides toward their goal throughout the year. At about 2 PM on the afternoon of the Champagne Toast, the Class of 2018 surpassed the total raised by the Class of 2017 by $30; setting another record. Additional donations were received throughout the weekend, and the Class of 2018 is now the most successful single-year Senior Gift campaign class in Siena history, raising a total of $21,423!
Beyond celebrating their record-breaking efforts, the Class of 2018 received their alumni pins, learned about future opportunities as alumni, toasted with the Friars, and even had a little sing-a-long. While their four years as students have come to a close, the Class of 2018 will now join over 34,000 living alumni of Siena College. Best of luck to our new graduates! It’s not, “goodbye”; but instead, “see you later!”
Photos and videos from the event
If you’d like more information about the Senior Class Gift, or to make a contribution, please visit www.siena.edu/seniorgift.
