Building a Culture of Giving

The Class of 2025 may have left the University of Richmond campus, but their impact carries on through their support of the Senior Legacy Campaign (SLC).
 
Each year, the SLC gives members of the graduating class an opportunity to celebrate their journey and give back to the place that helped shape it. Seniors are encouraged to donate any amount to support the people and programs that meant the most to them, such as an academic department, athletics team, or campus organization.
 
Those who give $5 or more are invited to the annual Senior Greek Theatre Party, held on campus at the end of the spring semester to celebrate the class’ accomplishments.
 
“The SLC is how we begin to build a culture of giving,” said Charlotte Pfamatter, assistant director of annual giving. “It’s about recognizing a student’s full experience at UR, strengthening class bonds, and instilling a deep sense of pride among our Spiders so that giving back feels personal, meaningful, and lasting.”
 
The Class of 2025 raised more than $4,500 with an incredible 76 percent participation rate (nearly 600 students), the highest in SLC history. The fund that received the most support was the UR Annual Fund, followed closely by the Class of 2025 Scholarship. Other top designations included the Christopher G. Elvin Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, Jepson School of Leadership Studies Dean's Impact Fund, and Undergraduate Financial Aid.
 
“The class set a new standard for what’s possible through student philanthropy,” Pfamatter said. “What stood out most wasn’t just how many students gave – it was where they chose to give. Their selections speak volumes about their values. This is a class to watch – they are bold, thoughtful, and deeply committed to building a better Richmond.”
 
2025 graduates Daniela Perez and Sam Slater led the SLC as part of an internship with the Office of Annual Giving. In recognition of their outstanding service, they were each honored with the H. Gerald Quigg Award for Philanthropy at Commencement.
 
Slater said he enjoyed encouraging his classmates to come together around a common goal. “We’re only on campus for a short time, but it’s meaningful to give back to the people who helped us succeed,” he said. “I’m a Jepson student, so I gave to the Jepson Dean’s Impact Fund to support the amazing faculty who shaped my experience.”
 
A first-generation college graduate, Perez gave to the Elvin Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the donor-funded scholarship support she received, giving her access to a Richmond education and helping her make the most of her time here.
 
“I’ve had so many great experiences during my four years at Richmond,” she said. “I’ve studied abroad three times. I simply would not have been able to afford it without donor giving. Students tend to overlook where the funding comes from that allows us to do all these amazing things. If students can donate, even if it’s just a little bit, you’re making it possible for others to have their own unique experiences.”
 
The Office of Annual Giving recently created the Junior Legacy Fellows Program, inviting juniors to shadow SLC leaders and learn about the SLC's mission, gain insight into fundraising activities, and develop interest in joining the SLC their senior year. Contact Charlotte Pfamatter, assistant director of annual giving, for more information about student philanthropy initiatives.