Senior Class Giving
One of the oldest traditions at Coe College is the Senior Class Gift. This token of the graduating class's regard for the College is presented to President James Phifer each year at commencement.
Chosen by the senior class, the gift is something that the graduates see as a special need on campus that would not normally be funded in the general budget. Examples of past senior gifts include:
- Expanded wireless internet access
- Scholarships
- A new victory bell
- Resources for environmental sustainability
Traditionally, the class has been assisted with two challenge grants Jeff Busse '85, in addition to his father, Laverne Busse, and Busse Investments has matched each senior gift dollar for dollar (up to $3,000). As an added incentive, Jeff donates an additional $1,000 if the class achieves at least 70% participation. Coe's own Dougie Peters '81, has also challenged the senior class in the past. Dougie has made a donation for each class member who participates. Jeff and Dougie provide the means to create a crescendo effect of one senior giving one dollar. Please contact Nate Clapham '06, Director of the Coe Fund at nclapham@coe.edu or 319-399-8569 or 1-800-263-1266, ext. 8569. To make a donation online, go to www.gifts.coe.edu.
Lynda Barrow
(Political Science)
"One of the students responded without hesitation, "I’d push you!" She then turned bright red. Six months later, we jumped."
