Announcement of the Senior Class Gift by Whitney Adams '07 and Lauren Snider '07

Lauren: After four years of being questioned in the classroom, there is only one inquiry that currently makes us cringe: what are you doing next year? Some of you are headed to graduate school, others experiencing new cities with Teach for America, while more begin their careers. And some of us, (gesture to the two of us), will spend the summer reflecting on our next step from the comfort of our parents' couches.

Whitney: In all seriousness, we know that while plans may not be definite, the members of the Class of 2007 will excel at whatever their chosen paths. We set a lofty goal for our participation in this year's Senior Class Gift, and we are very grateful to the busy seniors who not only participated but also helped along the way.

Lauren: The majority of us are indebted some way to the Scholarship Fund here at Denison. It is a recent tradition that the gift goes into the fund, which we know has touched so many of us. We would like to recognize the members of our committee who worked so hard, stressing the importance of becoming an active participant in the Annual Fund. Would those members please stand and be recognized. (Pause for applause). We are excited to announce that the class of 2007 is currently at a participation rate of 54 percent, the highest in Denison history.

Whitney: While participation is our goal with Senior Gift, we want to express our gratitude to the Parents of one of our classmates who challenged our class to increase participation by matching many of our gifts. We also want to thank our student coordinator Roxanne Hodgkinson, and the staff in the Annual Fund and Alumni Affairs offices who helped us along the way.

Lauren: We encourage you to read through the lists of not only the generous donations from students, but also the professors, staff members and classmates who they gave their gifts in honor of, a true testament to the many people who have shaped our experiences at Denison.

Whitney: As we all look to our futures after Denison, we know that no matter what comes along the way, our friendships, memories and experiences on the hill will prove an important part of that plan. We cannot thank everyone who has helped shape our experience, but because it is Mother's Day, Debbe and Kathy, we never could have done it without you. Class of 2007, today is the day to embrace each other, embrace our future, and embrace our alma mater.