Seniors should give whatever they can
I would like to thank Matias Ramos for bringing his perspective of senior class giving to light in “Graduating seniors not yet prepared to give back” (April 22).
He makes some intriguing points about finances at UCLA, but Ramos only briefly touches on the facts about why we ask students to give back.
While a graduating senior’s immediate post-graduation fortune may be hazy right now, we can be grateful for a fantastic four years, incredible professors and a world-class university.
One way of demonstrating our gratitude for a great experience is to give back to the senior class giving campaign to help ensure that future generations of Bruins will have the same experience we did.
UCLA is no longer purely a state-funded institution but rather a publicly assisted one. Because of severe state budget cuts, only 15 percent of UCLA’s annual budget is supported by the state.
More budget cuts on the horizon signal a call for even more private aid to keep our university thriving.
Still, even with the fee increases, we are still paying far less than students who attend private schools.
Clearly, we have received a great education with a big bang for our buck.
The senior class giving campaign is not just asking for money; we are asking seniors to recognize that many professors, scholarships, research and dozens of other opportunities at UCLA are made possible by parent, alumni and student support.
This year, more than 2,400 seniors have already decided that the UCLA giving campaign is worth at least the same amount as lunch at Rubio’s.
Many have even decided to give back substantially more, as the average donation this year is $25.63.
Though the giving campaign does not ask for much (many donations are only $1 or $2), it does ask for participation.
These seemingly small amounts add up to more than $60,000. It isn’t about the amount we donate ““ it just matters that we all participate as best we can.
If you simply cannot give back monetarily, consider joining the senior class giving committee at our next event and ask what you can do to help ensure the future of your UCLA.
I would like to thank and congratulate the Class of 2008.
Our class has already broken previous campaign records and demonstrated that we seniors are indeed “prepared to give back.”
Whether you give back money or simply your time and energy, it is important to realize that UCLA has given us a priceless education.
Richard Potomac
Fourth-year, psychology
Outreach director, senior class giving committee