"Our main goal was to choose a gift that what would excite the majority of the seniors, foster community at Hopkins, last with time, and most importantly, appropriately honor Linda [Trinh] and Chris [Elser]," said Senior Class Gift Committee Chair Rica Enriquez.
The group, a committee of ten seniors led by Bill Bollinger of the Office of Annual Giving, settled on a stained galss panel honoring Linda Trinh and Chris Elser, members of the Class of 2005 who were lives were taken during their time at Hopkins.
The panel will likely be displayed in the Charles Commons dorms when they are finished in the fall of 2006.
The panel design, a replica of which students received in an email this week, was created by Paned Expressions and consists of a scene of three blue jays. One represents JHU, the second represents Chris Elser, and the third represents Linda Trinh. The birds are sitting in a pink blossom tree with a sky blue background, similar to the scenery around campus in the spring.
The committee plans to place plaques describing the intent of the gift next to it to help preserve the memories of Trinh and Elser.
"Along with the artwork, two plaques which describe the contributions and impacts Linda and Chris have made on our campus, will be placed beside them," Enriquez said. "In that way, they'll continue to be a part of Hopkins."
The construction plan took place with the help of David Guth, the campus architect, and an alumnus working with Paned Expressions. It is expected to be completed by May 15 so that seniors will have a chance to see the gift before graduation.
Until the Charles Commons dorms are completed, the panel will be displayed in the Hut.
The total cost of the panel and plaque project is estimated at $12,000. The committee plans to raise the money with donations and fundraisers.
The Second Decade Society, a group of alumni in the second decade since their graduation that is focused on development and fundraising for Hopkins will be assisting the Class of 2005 with the fundraising. They'll be matching gifts up to $20.05 from seniors who pledge not only to give to their gift fund, but also the undergraduate annual fund, the Hopkins Fund, in 2006 and 2007.
The entire matched amount will be directed to the gift fund, helping to ensure that the goal for the memorial project is reached "A donation of $20.05 this year will become $80.20 towards the panel and plaques," said Enriquez.
Fundraising toward the Senior Class Gift began with a kickoff party on March 30. Enriquez announced the gift and students enjoyed a DJ's music and catered food. About $1500 were raised at this initial event and the committee considers it a success.
"We had great attendance [at the party] and everyone is really excited about the gift," said Senior Class President Payel Patel, a member of the Senior Class Gift Committee.
Seniors are currently receiving mailings and phone calls urging them to contribute to the Senior Class Gift fund. They can also contribute online at http://www.giving.jhu.edu.
