Q: Why should I give?
A: Senior class giving is a treasured tradition at all prominent Universities as a way for seniors to pay it forward and pave the way for the next generation. The Senior Class Giving Campaign at UCLA truly is about the act of giving. You define your senior legacy and choose your fund. Give back to an area of campus that supported you during your college experience, and ensure it thrives for future students who come after the Class of 2017.
Q: Does my participation matter?
A: Yes! Publications like the U.S. News & World Report use philanthropy as a factor to rank UCLA and determine overall student satisfaction. Foundations and corporations also use these rankings as a factor when they evaluating grant funding and prospective gifts. Your gift as a student and soon-to-be alum has a deep impact.
Q: I already pay tuition, why should I give more?
A: Your tuition and state funds only cover 15% of your UCLA education. UCLA is able to thrive due to private support that helps bridge the actual cost of attending UCLA. Your own UCLA experience has largely been supplemented by students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends, corporations, and foundations. By supporting the UCLA Fund and the Senior Class Giving Campaign, you are helping ensure current and future students’ UCLA experience.
Q: How does being a donor affect my future?
A: The UCLA Fund’s Young Alumni and Student Giving programs have built up an expansive network of Bruins to provide support to all of our donors. Upon graduation, the Young Alumni Development Council reaches out to student donors who have recently graduated to invite them to events, provide networking opportunities, and make sure they stay connected to their UCLA Family. This is an opportunity to stay connected with UCLA both socially and professionally, as you move beyond the hills of Westwood. Additionally, if you become a member of the Chancellor’s Society (with a gift of $100 or more) you will have the opportunity to connect with other esteemed donors in the Chancellor’s Circle by being invited to regional events and the end of the year Chancellor’s Reception.
Q: Where does my Senior Class gift go to?
A: One of the great things about giving to UCLA is that you have the opportunity to designate your gift to over 230 different funds. These funds include academic departments, student programs, scholarships, and more. The UCLA Senior Class Campaign at UCLA is not a class gift to one designation; rather, the Senior Class Campaign is focused on making sure each student can give back to the area that they care about most.
For more information or if you would like help finding your fund, contact Michelle King, Director of Young Alumni & Student Giving at mking@support.ucla.edu