SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES–For the first time, the CUNY SPS Class Gift Campaign will be student-led, with Student Association co-chairs Lennyn Jacob and Leonard Blades leading the campaign’s communication plan. The Class Gift Campaign, initially started by Associate Director of Student Life Anthony Sweeney in 2019, seeks to raise funds for CUNY SPS students in need, one donation at a time.
Donations to the campaign will help current and future students cover their tuition costs through the CUNY SPS Emergency Fund, as well as the Alumni Legacy Scholarship. The Emergency Fund is a short-term assistance program for students facing financial hardships like food insecurity, homelessness, illness and other emergencies, according to CUNY SPS Alumni Relations Manager Nidia Cordova. The Alumni Legacy Scholarship, founded by two-time CUNY SPS graduate Tye Brown, offers financial assistance to students who received their undergraduate degree at CUNY SPS and returned for their graduate degree, Cordova explained.
The donations will come with matching gifts that will be unlocked as certain milestones are reached in honor of the Class of 2025. The suggested donation of $25 will give student donors a graduation badge with the words, “I GAVE, CLASS OF 2025.” Donors will also have their names commemorated on the School’s “Virtual Wall,” and they will receive a copy of the CUNY SPS Foundation Annual Report featuring their names. Lastly, a donation will establish a legacy in the donors’ alma mater while inspiring others to give back.
As of May 8, the campaign has raised $1805, with matching gifts from the School unlocked at 85, 170, and 400 donors. 49 more donors are needed to reach the first milestone of 85 donors.
