Determined to leave their mark on FAU history, the senior class of 2008 will become the third generation to follow in the tradition of senior giving projects. The donation will be a stone monument with pyramidal top (an obelisk) centered in a fountain – both of which are to be built near the free speech lawn in front of the SO building.
Since 2005, senior classes have banded together to donate gifts to FAU as a means of not only expressing their gratitude for the university, but also to contribute to future generations.
The clock and fountain (donations of 2005 and 2006), located in the student plaza in front of the school bookstore, have created a popular hang-out place and perhaps even a place to feel a connection with the students who shaped the history of the university.
But when a random survey was conducted among students, no one could answer the question about the history of the university, explains Senior Class Director Gustavo Cordeiro.
It was that historical ignorance that inspired the idea of giving an obelisk, which symbolizes honor and remembrance.
“The students don’t know where the free speech lawn is,” concluded Cordeiro, adding that there’s no better place for remembrance than on a location which has been forgotten.
The politically influenced year of 2008 has motivated the seniors to pay homage to freedom, our nation’s founding principle, by donating a replica of the nation’s most popular obelisk: the Washington Monument. The gift provides the first 100 donors (of at least $100) the privilege of having their names permanently inscribed on one of the four sides of the monument.
Accomplishments for the year, to be known as the seven points of pride, are to be inscribed on the obelisk as well. The other sides of the monument are meant for the next three FAU generations.
Aside from providing space for names and merits, the monument sits on a fountain which Cordeiro explains will have “special lights that turn on for special occasions … red for FAU games and blue for graduations.”
With an estimated cost of $60,000, of which the senior class must raise $15,000, the Washington Monument-inspired gift is meant to represent freedom of speech.
But not all seniors believe the gift holds a significant purpose for FAU.
“I wouldn’t really participate with the senior giving project, because I don’t really understand how this would help the university in the long run,” says senior Michelle Wertman.
And she is not alone. Despite having several generous donors, the gift still requires major support from the senior class if it is to become a reality.
Should the senior class be able to raise more than enough money for the gift (the key word being “more”), the leftover money would become another gift in the form of scholarships for FAU students.