UNC seniors fall short on objective for 2012 fundraising campaign

While trying to knock out graduation requirements, apply to graduate school or find a job, UNC seniors are also being asked to give back.

And with graduation looming, donations to the Class of 2012 Fundraising Campaign have fallen short of expectations.

As of last week, only 19.1 percent of the senior class had donated to the campaign — 28.9 percent short of the ultimate goal.

“Nineteen percent is an OK turnout but it’s not where we’d like to be,” said Senior Class President Dean Drescher.

The class of 2011 had received donations from 24 percent of its members by this time last year, said Courtney Lee, chairwoman of the senior campaign.

By graduation, the class of 2011 had raised about $58,000 from 47 percent of the class.

Drescher said she expects an increase in donations in the coming weeks, as graduation gets closer and more senior events are organized.

“The week or two before graduation, we just have a huge influx of seniors that finally realize that they want to give and that it’s down to the wire,” she said. “We expect a big increase in the next month or so.”

Senior Class Vice President Mohammad Saad said face-to-face communication has been an effective fundraising method.

“We’re hoping that during Senior Week in April we’ll get a lot more publicity and more access to seniors.”

Senior class officials said they aim to have 48 percent of their class donate, 1 percent more than last year’s total. While seniors are encouraged to donate $20.12, even a $1 donation counts toward the overall percentage.

“We don’t want to pressure students in any way if they are unable to give the full $20.12,” Lee said.

“Our standpoint has always been to give what you can, if you can.”

Senior marshals also said they want to emphasize that seniors get to choose where their money goes.

Students can donate to whatever they want — anything from a specific building to a professional school.

John Moore, an alumnus from the class of 1988, has pledged to donate an additional $20,000 to the University if they reach that goal. A Tar Heel footprint will be added to the class’ Bell Tower stone as well.

But Lee said the campaign is much more about bringing the seniors together to give back than about the money itself.

“It’s a matter of personal pride,” Saad said. “If we worked all year and didn’t get 48 percent, that would be really disappointing.

“We want to leave a legacy for this university.”

Contact the University Editor at university@dailytarheel.com.