The Class of 2011's senior class fundraising campaign sought to be different from its predecessors by encouraging this year's seniors to think of something to contribute other than just money.

"One of the reasons why alumni are so helpful to Cornell is because they give back in ways besides monetary gifts," said campaign co-president Jeff Stulmaker '11. "We wanted to engender that spirit early on so that, hopefully, the Class of 2011 will be the alumni leaders of tomorrow for Cornell. I think that idea rang very true this year, and people really appreciated that."

This year, for the first time in recent memory, seniors were counted as participants by volunteering for phonathons, helping plant a garden behind Mann Library and assisting student groups like Cornell Minds Matter and Lights Off Cornell on initiatives connected with mental health and sustainability or other activities. The leaders of the campaign say the shift in strategy was made with the intent of making the effort more inclusive.

President David Skorton, inspired by the inclusivity of the class's fundraising spirit, has allocated $100,000 to endow a Class of 2011 scholarship.

"I am proud of the Class of 2011 for all they have already done before leaving our campus as alumni to contribute to the future of Cornell," Skorton said. "Their time, leadership and generosity have helped to create a class scholarship in their name that will open Cornell's doors to students for many years to come. I commend them for responding so impressively to one of our university's greatest needs through a vital gift of their time, talent and financial support."

The Class of 2011's senior class campaign raised (as of May 24) more than $43,000 from over 900 seniors, including 60 gifts of $250 or more, the second-most Ivy Society-level gifts of any previous senior class campaign. In addition, 143 students contributed their time and talent.

Stulmaker and campaign co-president Alina Zolotareva '11 both said they were motivated to lead the campaign because of the opportunities they have realized at the university. Brainstorming with a committee of more than 40 members to develop strategies to boost participation in the campaign was challenging but also invigorating.

"We definitely had to get our creative juices flowing in getting the entire committee involved," Zolotareva said. "That's what I really enjoyed -- improvising and still being successful in our own right."

"I'm really proud of the work that the students did this year in expanding the vision of the campaign," said Corey Earle '07, associate director of student programs in the Office of Alumni Affairs. "They understood that being a Cornellian means giving back in a variety of ways, and that's exactly what they did."

Gary E. Frank is a writer for Alumni Affairs and Development.