The Class of 2014 will hold a series of fundraisers over the coming months to finance their class gift — a new sign for Mary Baldwin University at a prominent place on campus.
“After many conversations, we came to the realization that placing a Mary Baldwin sign on the corner of Coalter and East Frederick [streets] just made sense,” said senior class President Holly Johnston.
The first fundraiser will be held downtown Friday at The Split Banana, where 10 percent of profits from 5 to 9 p.m. will go toward the seniors’ effort. Events will follow on the 14th of each month — including more fundraisers and a groundbreaking — culminating with an unveiling, planned for May 14.
Typically, the senior class tries to incorporate their freshman-year theme into their gift. The Class of 2013 banded together to create a bonfire pit on campus to reflect, “Hearts on Fire.” Finding a gift that harkens back to their freshman year theme, “The Power to Be,” proved tricky for the current seniors, but Johnston thinks they’ve nailed it.
“There is a special sense of power that comes when you name something. By naming something you claim it,” Johnston said. “We see the sign as a way to leave our mark and claim the importance of our undergraduate education here at Mary Baldwin.”
Seniors have asked architects from Kahler Slater — the firm responsible for designing the new Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences building in Fishersville — to create the landmark gift. The students will know how much money they need to raise when the initial design is complete.
Interested in making a donation? Contact senior class Treasurer Amber Ocasio at [email protected].