Frequently Asked Questions about Graduating Class Gift
What is the Class Gift or Class Giving?
Class Giving is a student-led campaign to raise funds for the Washington College of Law. For the past ten years, graduating classes of the law school have come together to raise money for a collective gift to the law school. Your gift can be designated to any part of WCL including journals, clinics, scholarships, PILRAP, etc…
Why should I give? I already pay tuition.
Donating to the Class Giving Campaign is the first step in becoming an alum and beginning the tradition of giving back. The Class Giving Campaign is unique in that it is the first chance for the graduating Class of 2008 to come together as a unit. Every student has the opportunity and is encouraged to be a part of the effort. Participating in Class Giving is a way for the Class of 2008 to leave a collective mark at WCL. Secondly, while tuition does cover a large percentage of your legal education, there are several programs and academic enhancements at WCL that are funded only by donor support. For example, PILRAP was created through alumni and donor efforts to help reduce the financial burden of graduates who spend their careers in public service.
Why do my gifts matter?
As a private law school, WCL relies on philanthropic support, in addition to tuition and fees, to operate, provide scholarships, make capital improvements, and introduce new programming to our WCL community. Your gifts matter because they help us stay a competitive, top-tier law school. Your gifts help provide cutting edge technology, expansive programming, and new initiatives that enhance a student’s experience and sustain WCL’s standing as a nationally and internationally recognized leader in legal education.
Why should I participate in Class Giving now? Can’t I wait to make a donation after graduation?
Participating in Class Giving is a way for you to help the Class of 2008 leave our legacy at WCL. Although we hope you will make gifts in the coming years as an alum, Class Giving is our class’s fulfillment of a tradition handed down to us, an expression of our solidarity as a law class, and a way to leave our mark. In addition the student giving participation rate is an indicator of student satisfaction; high participation is the mark of a high caliber school.
Can I make my gift in honor, in memory, or in appreciation of someone?
Certainly, you can! Many donors like to give in honor of living persons or in the memory of someone who has passed on. The Class Giving program also offers students the option of giving “in appreciation.” Whether an unforgettable professor, your favorite study buddy, or the shuttle bus driver who always waits for you at the Metro stop, show your gratitude by making a gift “in appreciation” of someone who has made your WCL experience a meaningful one.
How much should I give?
A gift of any amount counts toward our participation goal, and our collaborative participation is what is most important.
What do I get for making a gift?
In addition to having the satisfaction of leaving a lasting impression on WCL, you will be recognized in the annual Honor Roll of Donors. Also, you will be invited to a special Class of 2008 event held at the end of the semester.
