How do we teach our undergraduates the value of staying connected with the university and giving back in volunteer time and/or through thoughtful financial contribution? Chapman University’s 3-3 to Senior Legacy Program successfully combines the elements of volunteerism and giving for our undergraduate students. The new program is run by a student committee and is overseen by Alumni Engagement. It asks first-, second-, and third-year students to volunteer three hours of their time each year to a Chapman approved campus- or community-based philanthropic organization. Seniors are asked to leave their Senior Legacy gift helping future Chapman students have the same experiences they enjoyed. This Senior Legacy gift corresponds to their graduation year, e.g. $20.19. Students who participate in the program get benefits such as a chance to win parking reimbursement and extra resume help showcasing their philanthropy from Career and Professional Development. Our 2019 efforts resulted in 265 volunteers (795 volunteer hours) and 310 individual Senior Legacy gifts (a 73% increase over 2018).
From the Judges
Chapman has established a great program that works perfectly for students. It teaches them about giving back without asking perpetually broke students to give money. We especially liked that the program begins from the time they enter Chapman. This is a project that other schools could easily adapt for their own purposes.
