West Virginia University seniors have the opportunity to leave a permanent mark on the institution. Those who make a $30 donation to the Senior Gift Fund will have their name engraved on the Class of 2002 Mountaineer Mark, a plaque listing the student donors.

“This is a way for seniors to give back to the University and feel connected to WVU ,”said Leah Montas, future services specialist with the Office of Student Affairs.”In the future, these graduating seniors will hopefully return to campus as alumni, see their name on the plaque and feel like part of the University.”

The plaque will be placed on a proposed Walk of Seniors, an area on campus dedicated to all graduates. A location for the Walk has not yet been determined.

According to Montas, contributions to this years fund may go toward the purchase of an arched welcome entranceway to the Downtown Campus. In the future, seniors will decide how the money should be spent. Scholarships, student emergency relief funds or student affairs projects are all possibilities, she said.

The idea of the Senior Gift was revived by the Senior Council, a group of WVU seniors representing all schools and colleges.

According to Montas, there have only been three classes (that University officials are aware of) to present a senior gift. In 1909 and 1930, the senior classes donated a gift of Ivy to Woodburn Hall. In 1925, the senior class donated two park benches, which now sit in front of Elizabeth Moore Hall on the Downtown Campus.

For more information or to contribute to the gift, call Doug Skaff or Leah Montas at 304-293-5811.