"Why would we be giving a gift? They should give us a gift for paying a million dollars to come here," said senior Charla Szabo.
"There is a strong mentality that 'I don't need to give the University any more money,'" Matute said. "What I've learned is that it's actually good to donate as it goes towards the advancement of the University itself and ultimately makes our degree better."
Nancy Haaga, director of Auxiliary and Institutional Services, said the environmentally friendly theme will be a great addition to campus.
"It is important for individuals to realize that we are all part of a larger community and the actions of one person can make a big difference," Haaga said in an e-mail.
The tradition of the senior gift began in the 1980s, according to various University Web sites. Several past gifts that are visible around campus include phone booths, mosaics and gardens.
In 2004, the senior class created a fund that supplies books to the Gelman Library each year. The Class of 2005 created a scholarship fund in memory of Sept. 11 that honors a rising senior each year who has dedicated his or her time at GW to public service.
Last year, the Class of 2006 raised $47,000 and established the Community Service Project Fund, which gives grants to student organizations doing community service work.
"If the money will actually be used for what we want it to be used for, it will leave a lasting impact on the school, which I think is the point of a class gift," senior Leah Engel said. "I think the gift is a great idea."
"There is a strong mentality that 'I don't need to give the University any more money,'" Matute said. "What I've learned is that it's actually good to donate as it goes towards the advancement of the University itself and ultimately makes our degree better."
Nancy Haaga, director of Auxiliary and Institutional Services, said the environmentally friendly theme will be a great addition to campus.
"It is important for individuals to realize that we are all part of a larger community and the actions of one person can make a big difference," Haaga said in an e-mail.
The tradition of the senior gift began in the 1980s, according to various University Web sites. Several past gifts that are visible around campus include phone booths, mosaics and gardens.
In 2004, the senior class created a fund that supplies books to the Gelman Library each year. The Class of 2005 created a scholarship fund in memory of Sept. 11 that honors a rising senior each year who has dedicated his or her time at GW to public service.
Last year, the Class of 2006 raised $47,000 and established the Community Service Project Fund, which gives grants to student organizations doing community service work.
"If the money will actually be used for what we want it to be used for, it will leave a lasting impact on the school, which I think is the point of a class gift," senior Leah Engel said. "I think the gift is a great idea."
