the Informer

The Senior Signature plaques, an ongoing tradition for the university, are going to get a new home in the hallway by the mail room by the end of the year.
The university uses these plaques to commemorate each graduating class. In doing so, they will finally be displayed on the walls of Gengras Student Union.
The Senior Signature plaques stem as far back as the Class of 2000.

In the upcoming weeks while in GSU, students will begin to see the plaques being placed, though there is not a set date for them to be mounted.
Kristen Sadowski, the assistant director of Annual Giving at the university, said, “After much deliberation, [we decided] GSU was the perfect space for the plaques,” and is happy they found a home.

In years past, the plaques have been stored with the Office of Annual Giving. Each year seniors have the opportunity to give back. By making a gift of $20 with a commitment of $25 for the next two years, they will have their names put on a special plaque.

The plaques, a symbol of giving, are about 18 inches high and constructed out of clear acrylic with a red background and white lettering displaying each student’s name who participates.

The Senior Signature Program was established to help promote donating back among the student body, specifically the latest graduating class of seniors.
This program is also a way for students to acknowledge the importance of giving back to the university and know that without making a gift these plaques would cease to exist.

Sadowski also coordinates and oversees the entire Senior Signature Program, and she is pleased with the move. Sadowski said, “This is what annual giving is about.”
Those who have given and those who plan on being a part of this program will now have the opportunity to see their name firsthand and know they played an active part in this new school tradition.

Another part of this program and most recent tradition has been Senior Week, a collaborative effort with the Office of Annual Giving and the Student Government Association. 

This tradition is a three-day series of events, with the first night, Senior Night, being a tribute to each senior who took part in the Senior Signature Program.
Walter Harrison, president of the university and a significant role model among the student body, toasts the seniors and congratulates them for all of their efforts during their time at the University.

The assistance of Kristy Severino, the director of student centers, Jennifer Keyo, Director of Annual Giving, Sadowski and many others have all made it possible for these plaques to be a visible part of the university.

Every student has something to be thankful for, whether they have made lasting friendships, are grateful to a certain professor, or just had an overall enjoyable experience at the university. The Senior Signature plaques are a tangible showing of that appreciation.