February 4, 2002

It has become traditional for members of the senior class to donate a parting gift to UConn. In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., the Class of 2002 has decided to make its gift a lasting memorial to those who died, in the form of a scholarship fund for children of the victims.

The class expects to raise more than $30,000 for an endowment named the September 11th UConn Education Fund, which will provide investment income to fund an annual scholarship for an incoming freshman student. If state endowment matching grant monies are added to this total, the Fund could grow to $45,000 or more.

Priority for the scholarship will be given to residents of Connecticut, and second to out-of-state students whose parent or parents died in the tragedy. The scholarship will be renewable for four years, provided the student continues to make satisfactory academic progress.

Jillian Hoyt, senior class gift coordinator, says that when the senior class committee sat down to decide what type of gift to make, the choice to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks was an easy one.

"After September 11, like many in the country we wanted to do something to help those whose lives were shattered by the tragedy," she says. "As seniors recognizing the value of a UConn education, we felt the best possible gift we can offer is to share our experience with children of the victims."

Hoyt notes that the early response from seniors and their parents has been overwhelmingly positive. To date, more than $26,000 has been raised or committed from approximately 1,000 donors. The participation rate among those who have been contacted is close to 50 percent.

Dolan Evanovich, associate provost for enrollment management, commends the seniors' decision: "Scholarships by themselves are a key factor in our ability to recruit and retain talented students," he says. "But beyond that, the Class of 2002 is leaving a thoughtful and everlasting legacy for the children affected by the events of September 11, many of whom are from Connecticut."

Members of the senior class are being solicited for gifts through a phonathon, but donations to the fund may be made at any time. For more information, contact Jillian Hoyt at the University of Connecticut Foundation, by phone at (860) 486-0165 or e-mail: jhoyt@foundation.uconn.edu.