During halftime of Saturday’s football game between Virginia and Clemson, the Seven Society delivered a $14,777.77 gift to the University community.
With the U2 classic “Beautiful Day” blaring from the loudspeakers, a man in a black cape parachuted onto the football field and presented the check to the University.
The Seven Society issued a letter about the gift, which was received by the University’s class presidents, possibly among others. The Cavalier Daily requested a copy of the letter from the Seven Society via e-mail.
“The Seven Society challenges the students of Mr. Jefferson’s University to seek out meaningful and lasting ways to directly impact the University community,” the letter states, also noting that any student can submit a proposal regarding how the funds should be used. A proposal should contain “a written description of the idea, description on how the idea directly impacts the University community, and a sustainable plan of action for implementation of the idea,” the letter states. “Proposals are to be delivered to the Jefferson Statue in the Rotunda by Feb. 7, 2009 at 5 p.m.”
The purpose of the gift, as described in the letter, lends itself to many possibilities.
Third-year College student Eliza Quanbeck said she would like the gift to be used to improve artistic endeavors at the University.
“I feel like a fine art doesn’t get enough funding or recognition from the University,” Quanbeck said.
Polenta said she thinks the gift will enable individual students to take on leadership roles, “not just organizations and leaders who are already recognized in the University community.”
The primary purpose of each of the class presidents regarding the gift, Polenta said, is to publicize the gift and its intended purpose.
“We are trying to spread the word about this opportunity that is available to the University community at large,” Polenta said. “We want every student to be invested in finding ways to benefit the University.”
Third-Year Class President John Buttram said he intends to let students know about this gift through several avenues of communication.
“We’ll send out e-mails and we might try to flyer,” Buttram said. “In my role, I’ve been able to talk to a lot of people and I’m hoping that we will help spread the word about this gift.”
Student Council President Matt Schrimper said the gift will give students a platform to create change at the University.
“We’ve talked a lot about giving students greater ownership of the University,” Schrimper said. “This gift will help students who don’t have the resources to carry out projects to improve the University and make it what they want it to be.”
Read More
Winsome Earle-Sears talks higher education in first U.Va. event of the campaign
By Ford McCracken | 2 hours agoA Jamaican immigrant and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Earle-Sears is the first female lieutenant governor of Virginia,
U.Va.'s Earth Day Eco-Fair 2025 spotlights sustainability advocacy
By Leigh Bailey | 3 hours agoStudents from Contracted Independent Organizations and University Office of Sustainability leadership programs each shared their unique perspectives about sustainability advocacy on Grounds.
Student Council votes to relocate Hereford orchard and basketball hoop
By Lauren Seeliger | 13 hours agoStudent Council passed a resolution Tuesday to relocate the orchard and basketball hoop of Hereford Residential College due to construction in the surrounding area.
