Since 1910, Gustavus seniors have given their alma mater some sort of gift, and in recent years this has meant some sort of financial donation. The Senior Class Legacy is based around the idea that graduating seniors should give back to Gustavus so that students can continue to have great experiences.

“It gives seniors the chance to join a long lineage of Gusties that recognize their opportunity to enhance the Gustavus experience for current and future students,” Senior Management Major and Co-Chair of the Senior Class Legacy Mariah Bierl said.

Though their ultimate goal is to get seniors to donate, Senior Economics and Political Science Major and Co-Chair of the Senior Class Legacy Sara Schnell stressed that participation is more important than the amount given.

“We happily take a gift of 25 cents or $50. It doesn’t really matter what you give, just recognize the importance of giving back to Gustavus,” Schnell said.

The class of 2009 set a new record for participation at 56.9 percent, but both Schnell and Bierl are confident they can top that.

Events hosted by the legacy are a mix of classic Gustavus activities like bingo and barbeques and grown-up outings like wine and beer tasting.

So far, turnout at these events has been very high, with 39 percent of the class participating in the Legacy. Seniors who have contributed a gift will have one final event: a tour of the underground tunnels.

This event will take place on Tuesday, May 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Courtyard Café. The tunnel tour coincides with the Senior Week kickoff, which will occur in the Johns Family Courtyard from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The tours will leave every 10 minutes and are exclusive to seniors who have donated to the fund. Seniors who have not yet donated may do so at the event and then join a tour following their donation. Although this is the last official Senior Legacy event, seniors are able to donate to the Legacy online or via a Senior Class Legacy committee member until Commencement on Sunday, June 30.

Following Commencement, students are encouraged to continue to donate to the college through the Alumni Fund.