Digging into Debt-ridden Pockets

The typical scenario for undergraduate students attending nationally ranked colleges is four years, top-notch academics, countless experiences and tens of thousands dollars’ worth of debt.

This upcoming May approximately 4000 Boston University students will culminate their undergraduate careers on Nickerson Field. The Class Gift Committee asks seniors to dig into debt-ridden pockets and give back to BU’s legacy before receiving their diplomas.

Schyler Cain, an employee in the Boston University Development and Alumni Relations office, works as the Class Gift Coordinator. According to Cain, many students are under the false impression that tuition alone covers the cost to operate Boston University. In actuality, revenue from government aid, alumni donations, the institution’s endowment and other sources fill the gap. Last year, approximately 39% of BU’s graduating class donated to the gift campaign. This year, Cain aims to increase that number to 45% with a grand total of $75,000 in donations.

For some students, donating to the class gift is an unnecessary and unfair expectation. Xavier Nunez, a 22-year-old senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, believes that this is another moneymaking scheme for the university.

“I have paid more than enough monetary dues to this university. Alumni relations should focus on graduates that are two or three years into their careers and have disposable incomes. Tuition, books and commencement itself are expenses I’ll be covering the next ten years of my life,” Nunez says.

Other students such as Patrick Clark O’Brien, a senior in the College of Communications and active member of the Class Gift Committee, are enthusiastic about giving back to the university despite their financial circumstances.

“I am a student who paid almost half of BU’s expensive tuition completely on my own. My parents have three children and cannot afford to pay for private university via their checkbook," says the 22-year-old O’Brien. “We only ask for a donation of $20.13. Last week, I spent that much money going out downtown and in Allston.”

In addition to increasing donor participation, Cain hopes to dispel the myths that a donation doesn't make a difference and will go “into the black hole of BU's endowment.” Last year, BU raised $8.5 million from gifts under $100. Cain believes that there is strength in numbers and seniors can really make a positive impact on the campus and future students.

“One of the wonderful things about our Class Gift program is that students have the opportunity to support any initiative on campus that they feel has impacted them. However, back in the 40s and 50s some of the classes did sponsor on campus projects like the pillars in Marsh and those are pretty cool to see,” Cain says.

Haley Smith-Fries, a member of the class of 2012, chose to donate because she was able to specifically designate where she wanted her donation to go.

“I was President of the Ballroom Club and am well aware of the costs that surround dance lessons, costumes and performances. I thought it would be a good way to say ‘thank you’ and commemorate my time at BU,” says Smith-Fries, a 23-year-old alumnae currently working as an administrative assistant at a well-known ballroom studio.

In order to encourage donor participation, the Class Gift Committee has hosted several events in hopes of enhancing the sense of community and providing incentive. In the past, Class Gift Committee has run campaigns such as Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore jumping into the Charles River and the chance to throw the first pitch at a Red Sox game. The most recent event, a dance party hosted at the popular Kenmore nightclub Tequila Rain, included VIP line access for donors and $20 credit to an account with Uber, a boutique cab service company emerging in popularity.

Kim Kinsman, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, attended the most recent event and felt as if she had been taken advantage of.

“The event was cool because I ran into some people I haven’t seen since freshman year, but capacity was filled so early that some people who donated were not even allowed in. It’s clear that they don’t follow through with their promises, so I’m skeptical about donating,” said Kinsman, 22.

Bryan Adams, a Coordinator of Programs at Student Activities Office, acknowledges that alumni donations are important for any private institution.

“Alumni giving has a huge difference on rankings and public perception. If alumni are invested in giving back, people will see BU as a quality institution worth supporting or joining. This participation is taken into account when national publications and organizations rate us,” says Adams, 26.

In addition to senior events and incentives, enhancing BU’s reputation seems to be a huge draw for seniors graduating into an increasingly competitive workforce. Mark Guo, a 22-year-old senior in the School of Management, believes the value of his diploma increases as the school’s rankings go up.

“I want to see BU continue to rise, because I know what a great university it is. Even though I have paid so much, I can't possibly pay back the university for the opportunities I received while at BU,” says Guo.