For decades, members of the student body have come together to give back to Southwestern as an expression of pride and appreciation for their education. Southwestern students’ financial generosity and dedication of time and talent make a difference and enhance the Southwestern Experience for future generations. While students may give to any area on campus that has been impactful to them, giving to support future generations of Pirates through scholarships has always been one of the top designations.

This past fall, the Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) announced the establishment of scholarship funds for each of the current classes at Southwestern. The goal is for each class to build its fund to $25,000 before its five year reunion. Then, these funds become permanently endowed scholarships to be awarded in the class’ name in perpetuity.

In the initial kickoff of the program, President Edward Burger challenged students to give to their Class Scholarship Fund. He committed to donate $2,500 to the class with the highest participation, and the class that raised the most dollars. In one week, students raised $982, and the seniors won both challenges with highest percentage and most dollars, adding $5,000 to the Class of 2016 Scholarship Fund.

These class scholarships are another great example of the incredible generosity and thoughtfulness of today’s students. They want to ensure future students enjoy the Southwestern Experience.

“These funds won’t just provide scholarships. They will establish a class legacy for every class going forward,” said Amir Hessabi, senior SPC member. “It sounds like a lot of money, but if every classmate gave just $17 a year for five years, these scholarships would reach the endowment goal.”