How much would you pay to keep in touch with your friends after graduation? The alumni association is hoping it would be at least a dollar.
In an effort to create a student reunion fund for the class of 2007, the alumni association is asking every graduating senior to donate one dollar. The class of 1957 has donated $2,007 to this year's graduating class, and they are hoping that this year's class will match that number.
Harry Beaudin, a 1955 UNH graduate, started the tradition in 2005 when he donated $2,005 to that year's class.
Since the mid '70s, with the introduction of anti-establishment thinking and the rise in class sizes, class reunions have been relatively non-existent at UNH. In 1957 the graduating class numbered around 500 students. By the early '70s classes had doubled. This year UNH will graduate around 2,500 students.
The money will go into a class fund to be used toward alumni mailing announcements, alumni dinners and class reunions.
"One dollar can start on a road to giving back to the university financially," said Maggie Morrison, assistant director of alumni programs. "One dollar is a great start."
For everyone attending the grad week celebration, a dollar has been automatically donated as a part of the event's price.
John Dodge ('56), the chairman of his class's alumni committee, said last year of his fellow alums, "We've had some terrific times together. We've gone on boat rides and all sorts of fun trips. You make friends when you are in school and you really should get back together."
Lynn Smith ('02), coordinator of alumni programs, said that having seven or eight active alums would really be helpful in the future if the class wants to stay in touch. "The money is there to help," she said.
The class of 1957 will be at this year's commencement urging students to donate money and congratulating all graduates.
The money will be kept in an account managed directly by the Alumni Association of UNH with no accrued interest.
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