LuminousVoid

Wow. So our school has been fundraising for the class of 2006 gift. Some alumni chose to match our giving 4-1 if we exceeded 52% participation. And we’re up to 61% already! This is really great because I think this giving is going to a great cause.

Each giver has the choice of designating the class gift towards the Loan Repayment Assitance Program (LRAP) or a merit scholarship for an incoming student. I prefer LRAP, and I hope that others do too. Merit scholarships are important, they do help to attract people. And I must admit I got one. But I’m basically using it as a need-based public interest scholarship. Its allowed me to lower the costs of my education, making it easier to plan a public interest life. I don’t know if all merit-based recipients do that. But with LRAP, we know they’re working in the public interest.

Administration and other classes, if you’re listening: I have heard people say that they feel really good about giving knowing that it’s going to LRAP. I don’t think people are excited about giving funds for the Dean to spend with discretion. They want to give to worthwhile causes. Yes, you may feel that GW Law is a worthwhile cause in itself, but you’d be surprised at the attitude that some students have about the administration as graduation nears. If you want participation high, I recommend making LRAP the target of your giving campaings.