Senior Class Gift Revealed

Courtesy of Frazier Quarry

The Senior Class has voted to make bluestone benches the class gift. Frazier Quarry will match the senior class' donation to pay for the benches.

Make sure to walk by the fountain when you arrive on campus next fall - there will be six new and attractive bluestone benches waiting for you to do some R&R on.

The Class of 2006 is proudly sponsoring the installment of at least six bluestone benches to be used in re-landscaping the fountain and other areas on campus as this year's senior class gift.

Beginning with the Class of 1921, who purchased desks for their teachers, each graduating class at EMU has given a gift to benefit their alma mater. The presentation of class gifts is an act of appreciation on behalf of the seniors and a symbol of legacy that is left behind by each person and class.

Senior class officers Luella Kauffman and Greg Lamb anticipate the benches will benefit the campus both socially and aesthetically. "I'm excited that we have the opportunity to put in the benches," said Kauffman.

"The fountain has always been a place where students cross paths in between classes. "We're hoping that these benches will encourage people to sit and relax, have conversation with others, or simply enjoy the Virginia skies." Lamb said, "In working with EMU's Development Office, we're hoping that these marvelous additions will be part of the first step in EMU's campus new landscaping plan."

Lamb said that he can imagine pictures of students enjoying the benches to appear in prospective student brochures. "Hopefully, our class' gift will not only raise the quality of campus life, but also encourage more prospectives to come here. It's good to think big," he said.

Each graduating senior is encouraged to give $20.06 as part of the total class goal of raising $2006. "The contributions from the seniors, together with our matching gift from Frazier Quarry, will enable us to install at least 6 stone benches, perhaps as many as eight." Kauffman said.

One or two of the benches could be installed at the top of the EMU hill around the fire pit. Any senior who wishes to give can fill out the contribution form sent through campus mail.