2010 Grads and Parents Begin a New Tradition

Vermont-made grandfather clock in the parent reception room of Roger H. Perry Hall.

The Champlain College graduating class of 2010 set the bar high for future classes with its record-setting class gift of $3,677. That amount was matched by other donors for a total gift of $5,195. The funds will be directed to:

• The Support a Student fund which helps ensure that no qualified student is denied access to a Champlain education due to a lack of funds.

• The New Americans Scholarship, a vital program that reaches out to support Vermont refugee students.

In accepting the giant check during commencement rehearsal, Champlain President David F. Finney thanked members of the Class of 2010. "I have many friends in your class and I will miss you," he said, "but this is the nature of college and I know you are ready for what lies ahead." More than 500 associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees were conferred to students on May 8.

Seniors Anthony Enzor-DeMeo, a Computer and Digital Forensics major, and Justine Riegel, a Public Relations major, played instrumental roles in making the gift such a success. They reported that one out of three students from the 2010 class contributed to the gift.

To honor the achievements and collectively recognize their children's graduation, the Parents of the Class of 2010 hope they have started a new tradition at Champlain College. With the aid of an anonymous parent challenge, $7,390 was raised to purchase a Vermont-made item to add to the beauty and mission of the Champlain campus. The 2010 gift, a period reproduction grandfather clock, can be seen in the parent reception room at Roger H. Perry Hall.

According to Alison Johnson, director of alumni relations, in the spirit of healthy competition, the Class of 2011 is already hard at work to set a new record in May with its gift and participation levels.