3L students pledge donations to the school upon graduation.
As the class of 2011 prepares for graduation over the coming months, 3L Class President Amit Makker and Vice President Jon Paz are rallying their classmates to contribute to the 3L Class Gift campaign.
Although they and their classmates face challenges in what is still a weakened job market, Makker and Paz are confident their class will band together and take part.
“Our class has a unique culture,” said Paz. “We are all very united and positive about the school, and that will definitely play a big part in the success of this gift.”
The campaign began with the 3L Class Gift Kick-Off dinner on Feb. 15, when the committee split into three teams of about 10 members who will compete to raise the most support for the school. Students will pledge to contribute to the school yearly for five years after graduation.
“The dinner served to discuss the goals of a class gift and get people involved and excited about donating,” said Makker. “We hope to build on the competitiveness that’s there to encourage more participation.”
The two students acknowledge the difficulties recent 3L classes have faced in raising money with the downturn of the economy, but hope they can show students the advantages of contributing to the school upon graduation.
“What our class is focused on is getting jobs right now, so by giving back to the school, we are hoping [other alumni] will in turn hire us,” said Paz, who said that even in his personal experience, Trojans are eager to hire other loyal Trojans.
Unlike many graduating students making class gifts to their alma maters, USC Law 3Ls see the class gift as more of an opportunity to stay involved with the school for years after graduating by contributing to the future of the school, according to Makker and Paz.
“We all love the school and we love to give back… Our school is special, it is unique, it is different and having gone here is what enables us to have so many opportunities,” said Paz. “By donating we can give that gift to students in future.”
Makker says they plan to post a reminder on the USC Law portal to remind 3Ls about the gift every time they log in.
-By Melissa Zonne
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