Calling all 2023 Mammoths! We’re excited to kick off this special effort... one more milestone as we approach Commencement.

Think of Senior Gift as a class-wide celebration of all of the friendships and memories we’ve made and the academic opportunities, guidance and support we’ve received from faculty and staff over the last four years. The Senior Gift Campaign marks the beginning of the Class of 2023’s philanthropic support of the Amherst Fund. As we know, Amherst’s 200-year legacy of philanthropy has made it the College we know and love today! 

Traditionally, over 60% of seniors and about 50% of alumni give back to Amherst each year—philanthropy supports most of the College's operating budget, and, in a sense, makes Amherst happen! Even full tuition does not cover the College’s annual operating costs, and our gifts bridge the gap and help support elements vital to the Amherst experience.

This year, in honor of the College’s Bicentennial, our goal is for 200 members of the Class of 2023 to make a gift to the Senior Gift Campaign this spring. Gifts of any size count towards this goal! The suggested gift amounts for seniors are $2.00 (200 cents in honor of our Bicentennial) or $20.23 in honor of our graduation year, but we only ask that you give at a level that feels comfortable for you.

Seniors can choose to make their gift either to support the College’s most urgent priorities or to one of seven priorities within the Amherst Fund. You can support the area that means the most to you, whether it’s academics; the arts; athletics; our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; financial aid; student life; or sustainability efforts.

It doesn’t matter how much you give, it just matters that you participate. Each and every gift makes a difference, no matter the size. We hope you will join us in giving to a place that's given us so much. When you give, you help make Amherst possible.

With appreciation,

The 2023 Senior Gift Committee

 

Why Give?

  • Because each gift provides crucial support in areas such as financial aid, athletic team support, academic programs, art programs, internship opportunities and so much more! This is an opportunity to pay it forward for the next generation of Amherst students.
  • Because you will further open the door to the Amherst experience for everyone, regardless of financial background.
  • Because participation matters, whatever the size of your gift.
  • Because you will be part of a community that believes in Amherst and makes Amherst a better place for years to come.

How to give:

Make your gift online or via Venmo! 

Participation matters—really! It only takes $1 to be counted. We only ask that you give at a level that feels comfortable for you.

Ways to go above and beyond:

  • Give in honor of someone: When you give, you can make your gift in honor of someone who impacted your Amherst experience -- a friend, professor, coach, staff member, alum, etc. Just make a note in the comment box when you give. As a thank you, the Advancement Office will notify the person that you have made a gift in their honor.
  • Commit to giving every year: Supporting Amherst routinely, no matter the amount, makes a huge difference. When you give on a regular basis, you help Amherst keep its alumni participation rate strong, which strengthens Amherst's reputation. Signing up is easy -- just choose the "annually" or "monthly" option on the online giving form.  As one of the College's most loyal supporters, you are a member of the Irradient Society, which honors consistent support of the Amherst Fund.

 For more information, contact the Amherst Fund at amherstfund@amherst.edu.