The year is winding down and students are preparing to study for finals and finalize their summer plans. The Class of 2016 is not just getting ready to graduate but also  figuring out how to leave their mark on Gustavus. Traditionally, the senior class gets together and funds a project to improve the Gustavus campus. This year, the seniors chose to renovate the campus fire pits.

The process of legacy gifts can span years but the idea for it comes from the Class Officers. Sometimes, like the Class of 2015, they didn’t leave a senior legacy gift. Others, like the Class of 2014, raised money for the compost bins around campus. Another prominent legacy gift is the ‘49er room given by the Class of 1949. Class Officers are members of the senior class that applied during their sophomore year to be Class Officers.

Class officers of 2016 are Logan Boese and Olivia Tusa. They started their officer career by hosting ice cream socials and grill outs for their class. Each time, they had a grill out they noticed the declining conditions of the Complex firepit.

When Class Officers think of a project they ask their class and faculty for their input. They decided to fix the firepit by appointing it as their senior legacy. A fire pit might not seem like a great contribution but it’s a part of campus that can easily be renovated.

“We, as a class, care about community,” Senior class officer, Logan Boese said.

The fire pits are a social sphere for Gusties. Such a task might seem daunting to students that are busy planning their futures. But for a class of 590, with a donation of $20 per person, they would surpass their $6,500 goal.

Renovations would include tiling the pit, installation of electrical sources, and a commemorative “Class of 2016” nameplate. The plan is to have Gustavus’ Physical Plant finish the changes by next year’s Homecoming. Then the alumni could see their charity put in use by future Gusties.

“We, as a class, care about community” – Logan Boese

The officers have more up their sleeve than just the Complex firepit. By their five year reunion, they would like to renovate the Pittman fire pit and have an additional fire pit between Beck and Southwest.

There’s always the worry that the fundraising goal won’t be met. Logan isn’t worried about not meeting the goal. Even if half of the seniors donate, they would have enough money to renovate the Complex pit. Twenty dollars isn’t a large sum for one person to contribute to a long standing monument. This project is meant to stand the test of time for generations of Gusties to appreciate.

There are also possibilities of additional sources of funds, about $2,000 worth. There is a donor that will contribute $500 if there is 25% class participation by May 1st. The officers are also talking to President Bergman and the Alumni Association for contribution.

The fire pits are a large part of Gustavus’ social scene and the renovation of them would greatly enhance Gustavus. It’s a class effort to choose their legacy project and raise money to refurbish two pits and build another one.

Class Officer, Logan Boese, is confident that they will reach their goal, either through student or faculty funding. Present and future Gusties will be able to enjoy the new fire pits as the Class of 2016 leaves their mark on Gustavus.