Senior Class Officers Welcome Debate But Stand by Gift Choices

The Oct. 11 editorial entitled "A Gift for Posterity" has marked the beginning of debate and discussion over a class gift, and we as senior class officers warmly encourage everyone to engage in this annual tradition.

The editorial presents its argument against two gift options: a $20,000 library endowment and a special needs scholarship of the same amount.

It then supports the option of a glass etching in the Campus Y, which will memorialize our campus response to Sept. 11, 2001, only to find great fault in this option as well.

However, the editorial failed to reveal the pertinence and reason behind each gift option while also neglecting integral facts behind each.

One must keep in mind that the purpose of the annual senior class gift is to give back to our University and leave our campus a better place. Given our University's budget crisis, we felt that our class gift should particularly be of some direct financial assistance rather than creating just a physical monument.

With that said, each class of 2003 gift option will clearly make Carolina a better place and reflect on the character of our class.

The Undergraduate Library endowment is intended to keep our new library new. Its intentions are noble and aim to improve the academic climate of Carolina. To state that this duty "falls squarely on the shoulders of the state legislature" is not realistic because it is private donations that make our library great in the first place -- paying for all interior design and furniture.

If we rely solely on the state legislature to fund the library, the Undergrad would be anything but new in 10, 20 or 30 years.

Moreover, The Daily Tar Heel editorial board failed to mention that the gift also includes quotes on all benches in front of the library, which the seniors will be able to choose along with a plaque recognizing all those who contributed.

The idea of a special needs scholarship is both unique and exciting. The scholarship is available on a need basis and aims to help UNC students in a unique manner. For example, if a senior has a job interview but cannot afford the proper clothing attire, he/she may request the funds to buy a suit. The editorial claims this gift has no "significance," but is that to say there is no "significance" in making a difference in several individuals' lives? Though the scholarship will not take physical form on our campus, it holds an intrinsic value that cannot be discounted.

To clear up any misconceptions of an endowment, both the scholarship and library gift options would hopefully last well beyond 20 years. Because of accrued interest, the beauty of an endowment is that it is a gift that keeps on giving. Also, an endowment provides an opportunity for us as a class to continue giving to it well after we graduate.

Finally, the location of a Sept. 11 memorial in the Campus Y was a deliberate choice by the class officers for several reasons. The editorial board has proposed a location change to Polk Place, but they do not take into account the purpose of this gift.

First off, again noting the budget cuts, our aim was to assist the University's current needs. The Campus Y Restoration Project needs private funding. Polk Place does not. Secondly, since Sept. 11, 2001, our country has called upon us to serve in nationwide public service initiative. There is not a more fitting location on campus to memorialize Sept. 11, 2001, than the Campus Y, an epicenter of student volunteerism and advocacy.

Finally, the 3 foot by 12 foot glass etching will have great visibility as it will be located in a large student-faculty lounge open to everyone. The gift also includes an art gallery in the lobby of the Campus Y, another fact the editorial board again failed to mention. This gallery will promote both student and community artwork in an effort to raise the presence of fine arts at Carolina.

The senior class officers and marshals have taken deliberate and thoughtful steps in the presentation of these three gift proposals. We stand by these three options. A vote will be conducted Oct. 30 alongside the Homecoming elections. Each gift has a great purpose, and we invite each of you to search for the one you feel is most suitable for our University and for our class.

Paymon Rouhanifard
Senior Class President
Robert Albright
Senior Class Vice President

The length rule was waived.