The Observer, March 21, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 21
Seniors' contributions result in new class gift
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Many seniors and alumni remember Ignacio Ocasio, known to students as Doc Oc, as an exuberant professor of freshman chemistry courses. Underclassmen and future Case students will remember him as a much quieter, bronze bench partner.
The Senior Class Gift Campaign for the College of Arts and Sciences is asking seniors, as well as faculty and staff, to donate money for the completion of this statue as a continuation of the Class of 2007's campaign. Money from the two senior classes, as well as from various campus groups including USG, UPB, and RHA, will be used to pay the $50,000 cost of the sculpture. Around $43,000 has already been raised.
Doc Oc, who passed away in May 2005, was an ardent supporter of Case undergraduates, serving as faculty adviser for Phi Kappa Tau and coaching the freshman class in the annual Hudson Relays. His bench will be placed outside of Adelbert Hall near the rock commemorating the Hudson Relays winners. Installation of the sculpture will take place over Homecoming/Alumni Weekend this fall.
The gift campaign also includes other schools within the university. Money collected by the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing will go to fund many projects. These include providing need-based scholarships to talented nursing students, creating innovative research opportunities for nursing, keeping the school's technology updated, and attracting and retaining expert faculty.
Case School of Engineering donations will also go toward their annual fund. Weatherhead School of Management contributions will benefit the new Alumni House on the north side of campus. Their class gift will help to finance a portable bar for the house, to be used to hold drinks and glasses during receptions.
Seniors are being asked to donate $20.08 toward the campaign, though a contribution in any denomination is appreciated. "There are good reasons to give, even just a little," said Kassy Wyman, director of Annual Giving. "It has a lot of impact regardless of size." Students donating any amount will receive a "Senior Class Gift" T-shirt bearing a logo reminiscent of MasterCard's.
The official kick-off of the Senior Class Gift Campaign will be at the Grad Fair next Wednesday and Thursday. Students will be able to check out the campaign and contribute money by way of cash, check, credit, or CaseCash. "We want to make it as easy as possible," said Wyman. "We'll go where the students are." Representatives will also be attending Greek Week, the SOURCE symposium, Springfest, and the Senior Send-off, among other events. Students can contribute to the campaign online at the university's secure giving site, http://giving.case.edu.
More information about the campaign is available at http://www.case.edu/development/annual/seniorgift or by contacting kassy.wyman@case.edu.
