A video featuring St. Thomas seniors describing what the university has given them debuted on televisions in the Anderson Student Center Tuesday, launching the annual Senior Class Gift campaign.

This year, St. Thomas seniors voted to donate the money raised for the class gift to a scholarship for middle-income students.

Whiteboard messages in the video were designed to get students thinking about giving back to St. Thomas during the annual campaign, which raises funds for a gift voted on by members of the senior class and is presented at commencement.

Director of Communications and Events for the Student Legacy Program Erin Windschitl said this year’s scholarship will reach a wide spectrum of people.

“We feel that a majority of the students fall within that category of middle-income students,” Windschitl said.

The Senior Class Gift Committee consists of 50-60 seniors who meet throughout the year and brainstorm ideas for scholarships. Toward the end of the process, the three best ideas are put to a vote to determine the winning scholarship.

All seniors who participate will be recognized at commencement and receive a lapel pin to wear on their gown at graduation.

Senior Matt Rippentrop, a member of the Senior Class Gift Committee, said the goal is 65-percent participation each year.

“What’s great about the gift is it has such longevity and has a continuous effect long after we’re gone,” Rippentrop said. “It’s not just like we’re raising funds for the next year. This initiative that we’re taking throughout the year is going to have a long-lasting effect.”

Senior Max Bischmann said he thinks it’s important for seniors to give back.

“The school can only give back so much in terms of what we give in tuition and to give back is important for the future of St. Thomas students,” Bischmann said. “I think a little bit of financial support is helpful that they can do a little more here and be able to spend more on whatever opportunity they decide works for them.”

Student Legacy member Emily Clark said seniors should understand the main reason for providing this gift.

“It’s really important to note that we’re not looking to raise a certain amount of money. We’re really focused on participation because when our school is being presented out in the community, they see alumni are giving back,” Clark said. “The more people they see giving back, it’ll show that we think our degree is worthwhile.”

The graduating class of 2010 holds the record for peak participation at 65 percent. Rippentrop said other classes have come close, with last year’s seniors participating at a rate in the 50s.

Rippentrop said the committee hopes a competition with Gustavus Adolphus’ senior class gift campaign will motivate students to donate.

“You’ll be able to see on our website participation numbers compared with them,” Rippentrop said. “So, we’re really excited about that; hopefully we beat them.”

Senior Leslie Terwilliger said donating money to the university isn’t out of the question in the future, but for now, she’s not financially able.

“In the future, I feel like I’m going to donate, especially toward a new hockey arena,” Terwilliger said. “Right now, I don’t have any money; but if I did, I’d be more than willing to donate money.”

Junior Tyler Rivard said the concept of paying it forward makes sense, and he’ll likely participate in the senior class gift campaign next year.

“Then that grade below me will benefit, so it’s kinda waterfalls down,” Rivard said. “ I’m sure somebody will benefit from it in my class.”

The deadline for seniors to donate is May 13.