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Penn State's class of 2018 class gifts revealed

Penn State’s class of 2018 has selected three items as their senior gift.

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The gifts were revealed by the 2018 Class Gift Committee on the ground floor of the HUB-Robeson Center at University Park.

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“With the tradition of class gifts beginning in 1861, the class gift campaign has been dedicated to providing an outlet for current students to recognize an area of potential growth for the University and giving back so that future students may benefit, for over 156 years,” said senior Lauren Nelson, executive director for the 2018 Class Gift Campaign, according to Penn State News.

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The three gifts are: a display of the Alma Mater in the HUB-Robeson Center, an endowment to support the State Farm, and support for the Textbook and Educational Resources Fund.

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The gifts were accepted on behalf of the University by Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations O. Richard Bundy III.

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“With the three gifts that you have chosen, the Class of 2018 will both provide critical funding for important Penn State programs and leave a tangible imprint on our campus,” said Bundy at the event. “Your endowed support for the Student Farm will help to grow an organization that is enabling Penn Staters to put their passion for sustainability into action. Your gift to the Textbook and Educational Resources Fund will help to ensure that all Penn Staters have access to the textbooks they need. And with the HUB Alma Mater display, you will create a physical testament to your Penn State pride that you can return to as alumni for years to come.”

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“Each of these gifts encompasses Penn State’s values — those being integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and community,” said Nelson.

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Penn State students choosing multiple gifts for their senior year is not a new trend. It has been a common choice since 2008, and even more common during the 70s and 80s.

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The Alma Mater display will reflect how much money was raised by the senior class.

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“The Alma Mater is an important part of our history as a University, but the scope of what our class will be able to accomplish will truly depend on the money my classmates give to support this effort,” said Nelson.

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The Student Farm at Penn State is a new organization that allows students to manage a community run farm. It creates fresh produce for local pantries and locations, and is an academic tool for agriculture students.

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The Textbook and Educational Resources Fund provides textbooks and other educational resources for Penn State campuses.

“We all know the cost of textbooks and other course materials. Providing additional support to the existing textbook fund will allow more students to have the materials they need to be successful in the classroom. Literally every student can benefit from this gift,” said Kyra Rogan, student outreach director for the 2018 Class Gift.

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Gifts will be solicited by members of Class Gift Campaign through events, emails and phone calls to students graduating in May, August or December 2018. Senior students may also make a gift at www.ClassGift.psu.edu.

By Mike Murphy, Opinion Editor

10/24/2017

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