1) Why should I give?
A gift at any level makes a huge difference to Brandeis University. Publications like US News and World Report use alumni satisfaction as a factor in its ranking. Your satisfaction is demonstrated through your participation-- at all levels! When Brandeis moves up in the rankings, it will make our degrees more valuable as we enter the job market, or apply to graduate schools.
2) Where does this money go?
Gifts made to the Senior Class Gift go towards the Annual Fund, which is the general fund for Brandeis that helps meet the most pressing needs of the University. This money helps provide financial aid, computers and labs, the shuttle to Boston, campus maintenance, and MUCH more!
3) Can I give my money to something other than the Annual Fund?
Yes, but we encourage everyone to give to the Annual Fund where you gift has the power to help the most urgent needs of the University. You can designate your gift to any current use fund; this includes recognized clubs and organizations, as well as academic departments. Please contact Matt Magida at Magida@brandeis.edu, or by calling 781-736-4010, if you would like to designate your gift.
4) Can I make my gift in honor of a professor, student, or faculty member?
Certainly! If you choose to make your gift in honor of an individual, they will receive a tribute card in the mail notifying them that a gift has been made to the Class of 2009 in their honor. The tribute does not specify the amount of the gift, and all tributes to professors are delivered after grades have been submitted. Please contact Matt Magida at Magida@brandeis.edu, or by calling 781-736-4010, if you would like to send a tribute.
5) I already gave thousands of dollars in tuition. Do you really need more from me?
We are all in the same boat here. Not everyone has a job waiting for them after they graduate, and many of us will pay back student loans for a number of years. But what a lot of seniors don’t know is that our tuition only covers 50% of the cost of our educations, and over 60% of Brandeis students are on financial aid. By giving to the Annual Fund--and to the Class of 2009 Gift this year-- we are making sure that future Brandeis students are able to enjoy the same incredible education that we received. A gift at any level can make a huge difference!
6) What is the least I can give?
We are asking each member of the class to participate to the extent that they can. If everyone gave $20.09, then we would exceed our goal of $10,000! Many students are joining at this level, and a gift of this amount allows you to attend special receptions throughout the year. But a gift an any level is appreciated!
*We cannot process credit cards under $5, or check, cash, or Who Cash gifts under $1*
7) Can the money come from my parents or grandparents?
Yes. The money can come from wherever one chooses, but we hope we can count on your support as well as your family's.
8) Can I give you Who Cash?
Yes! We accept cash, checks, Visa, American Express, or MasterCard, and Who Cash.
9) I want to join the Emerging Leaders, but I can't give $100 right now. What can I do?
The Justice Brandeis Society Emerging Leaders is a leadership giving society that gives you special recognition in our University publications and allows you to be invited to special events and receptions this year AND next year, which are great networking opportunities! It does require a gift of $100. But if you can't pay that all at once, you can pay this gift in installments. In fact, you can pay a gift of any size in installments! Just speak with a Senior Gift Committee member or email Matt Magida at Magida@brandeis.edu for more information.
10) If I give money now, will Brandeis continue to ask me for money in the future?
Alumni support of the Annual Fund at Brandeis is vital and we would hope that each year we will each continue to support our alma mater to the best of our abilities.
